This week’s image: federal election candidates’ debate on October 1 at the CRC (40 Oak).
CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD
REVIEW
CRC Meeting
The CRC (40 Oak) hosted a candidates’ debate on Tuesday October 1. It was organized by the Community Civic Engagement Collaborative - a group of residents from Regent Park, Moss Park and St James Town. The snacks are always a perk at an event at the CRC.
Brian Chang (NDP), Bronwyn Cragg (Communist), Ryan Lester (Conservative), Bill Morneau (Liberal) and Annamie Paul (Green) took part.
CABBAGETOWN SOUTH RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION
The residents met at Central Neighbourhood House on Tuesday October 1. The meeting produced an impressive list of projects being tackled by the Association. Councillor Kristyn Wong Tam and Sergeant Henry Dyck from 51 Division were guest speakers. Tyler Johnson from the Councillor’s office also reported on issues in the neighbourhood.
Policing at Sherbourne and Dundas
Sergeant Henry Dyck from 51 Division announced at the Cabbagetown South meeting that four extra Neighbourhood Officers have been assigned to this area, totalling 8 officers and ensuring better coverage. These officers will patrol on bikes and on foot from Carlton to Gerrard and from Parliament to Jarvis. They will focus on community relations and ongoing hot spots, not 911 emergencies. They will arrive officially on Monday October 7 and go through an initial training period.
Easing the uproar
Councillor Wong-Tam summarized the steps being taken by the City to calm this neighbourhood. A temporary fence has been placed in front of Street Health to stop loitering in its front yard and fundraising is happening to purchase a permanent fence. The noise from a radio at Margaret’s Place has been reduced. Also at Margaret’s Place, the doors are being closed and monitored after midnight and the number of respite mats has been reduced to 35 to ease the strain on washrooms. Repairs are underway at TCHC’s Dan Morrison residence to prevent casual and unnoticed entries from the back. A fence will be added to the front of TCHC’s William Dennison Residence on Dundas. A police camera is scheduled for the corner at Sherbourne and Dundas. City crews have already started regular cleaning in the laneways to reduce on-site garbage and litter.
Association updates
The Oben Flats project at Gerrard and Sherbourne has started - shovels are in the ground. The new development at The Beer Store site is now underway - the developer is currently lining up its financing. There’s no indication yet about a possible return for a future Beer Store in the new building.
Following last fall’s safety walk north of Dundas, tree trimming has started to improve laneway lighting. Toronto Hydro has not responded to requests to fix its lights.
Another safety walk is planned for south of Dundas on Wednesday November 20 at 6:30 pm.
The Moss Park revitalization has been scaled back. The support by a private donor has been withdrawn and Councillor Wong-Tam plans to replace it with Section 37 funds through her office. Consultations on the new project will start soon.
FEDERAL ELECTION UPDATES
2019 candidates
The final list of candidates in Toronto Centre riding is now available. Of course, we’ve got the big four plus one - Conservative, Green, Liberal and NDP plus the People’s Party. We’ve also got a few interesting extras - Rhinoceros Party, Communist, Marxist-Leninist, Animal Protection and Independent. Keep your eyes open for them on your doorstep. For more info and contacts, click here.
Advance voting
The Advance Polls happen from 9 am to 9 pm over the weekend of Friday October 11 through to Monday October 14. Check your Voter Identification Card for your closest Advance Poll location.
You can also vote on any day before 6 pm on October 15 at the official Returning Office (161 Bay Street, Suite 2700).
2019 federal election
Are you registered on the official Voters’ List? Do you need to vote early? You can check on the Elections Canada website.
For contact info and links to the candidates for the major parties, click here.
LOCAL NEWS
Road improvements
Repairs and upgrades for Shuter and Gerrard were discussed at last Tuesday’s Cabbagetown South meeting.
The City of Toronto will start repairs on Shuter Street in 2020. Gerrard Street repairs are scheduled for 2023 and improvements at Anniversary Park are planned as part of that project.
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).
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).
Free theatre tickets at Soulpepper
Soulpepper has tweeted that it’s starting a free tickets offer in January. Patrons who are 25 or under will be eligible for a pair of free tickets. Some conditions apply - tickets are available only on the day of the performance and must be picked up at least 30 minutes before the performance. You’ll need photo identification showing your birthdate.
Congrats Michael Cavanaugh
Photo: Greg Marshall’s Bell Box on Amelia
Mike runs the Bell Boxes artists’ project. He organizes artists, locations, funding and approvals for the very popular Bell Boxes. It’s really a win-win idea - local neighbours like the decorative artwork and everyone appreciates the way the art discourages graffiti. This year, he did almost fifty boxes throughout the GTA. He works with Bell Canada and with local municipal officials to get permissions and to settle locations.
Mike has done two murals here - the Cabbagetown mural on the LCBO (512 Parliament) and the rose at Zakkushi (193 Carlton).
COMING EVENTS
Listed by starting dates
Sisters in Spirit vigil
The Native Women’s Resource Centre of Toronto is holding a vigil to honour missing and murdered women, girls and 2S trans women. Allan Gardens (Sherbourne and Gerrard), Friday October 4 from 6 to 8 pm.
Alumnae Theatre open house
Visit Alumnae Theatre (70 Berkeley) to celebrate the history of its building as the old Firehall #4. Sunday October 6 from 1 to 5 pm. Try on firefighting cloths, see scenes from Toronto’s firefighting history, check out makeup demos by Crystal Kelly and costume department preps, and lots more. At 2 pm, Bruce Bell will talk about the great Toronto fire of 1849 and at 2:30 pm, there’ll be a visit from a fire truck. Free - your whole family is welcome.
Dog off-leash parks
Councillor Wong-Tam is having a public meeting to gather feedback on improving our off-leash dog parks. Tuesday October 8, 6 pm, City Hall Committee Room 2 (100 Queen E, 2nd floor).
First Parliament Project
Photo: Toronto Star
Ontario’s first Parliament was built on a site that’s now beneath a car wash at Parliament and Front. The project is aimed at rehabilitating the site. There’ll be a public workshop on Tuesday October 15 at 6:15 pm. You’ll get a chance to learn more about the project, its current status and ways to become involved. St Lawrence Market Tent (125 The Esplanade).
Adult dance classes
The School of Toronto Dance Theatre (80 Winchester) offers Fundamentals of Dance 1 & 2 - introductory dance classes for adults. And for those who want to drop-in for a bit of dance and a workout, there’s a Contemporary Technique class with no registration required. Check out the School’s programs online.
Silver Swans ballet classes
Ballet classes for new dancers ages 55+. This is a fun, educational class that will help improve balance, mobility, posture, and coordination. No experience necessary. Sundays, 10 to 11 am, $135 for 8 weeks. Canadian Contemporary Dance Theatre (509 Parliament).
The season’s best at the Cabbagetown Farmers’ Market
Just two more weeks to go for the 2019 season. There are lots of vendors and crowds have been coming out to take advantage of the good buys available - heirloom tomatoes, melons and corn.
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 - it’s finished for the season. Thanks to everyone who worked to put it together so successfully.
IN THE MEDIA
Regent Park review
Photo: Toronto Star
Toronto Community Housing is using a very structured procedure to generate residents’ feedback to the new proposals for its development of Phases 4 and 5. Residents will hear presentations by Daniels, Tridel and Capital Developments and score them. This meeting is open only to Regent Park residents over 16 years of age - identification will be requested to validate this. Saturday October 5, 11 am to 4 pm, Regent Park Community Centre (402 Shuter). Emily Mathieu has written about this consultation. Click here to read her Toronto Star story.
Linda Manzer’s latest guitar
Photo: manzer.com
Nick Krewen has written about Linda Manzer’s remarkable career as a luthier, a master guitar maker. His Toronto Star story is here.
Privacy concerns over Sidewalk Labs data
Photo: Toronto Star
Data collection and personal privacy have sparked a response by Ontario’s privacy commissioner to Sidewalk Labs’ waterfront development proposal. The CBC reported on the Commissioner’s comments - click here.
Soulpepper’s Streetcar Named Desire
Photo: Dahlia Katz, Soulpepper
Soulpepper’s new production of Streetcar Named Desire has been getting rave reviews. Carly Maga, writing in the Toronto Star, has written a positive review - click here.
KIDS’ STUFF
Growing up green in the garden
All Things Fall
Buds and Blossoms
Buds and Blossoms (517 Parliament) is now accepting new preschool students for the Fall. The program features small class sizes and focuses on developing communication skills, forging friendships and hands-on enrichment. If your child is ready to prepare for kindergarten, needs to transition from nap times, or needs peer socialization, check out the Fall programs here.
BUSINESS NEWS
Thanks Neil
Neil Leslie is retiring. He's spun off his business and properties and he's getting ready to enjoy a new challenge. He was one of the pioneers of the modern Parliament Street scene - his last properties were on Carlton Street at Mi Casa and Pet Valu. He once owned several locations on the south side of Carlton and on Parliament. Best wishes, Neil, for all your future plans.
Plant sale at Blooming Flower Bar
Anji has started her plant sale - 10% off on potted plants. Get in there while supplies last. 559 Parliament.
Design One Stop Shop - now online & offline
Kendall & Co (514 Parliament) just relaunched its website to acquaint everyone about its wide-ranging products and design services - available just steps from all of us in Cabbagetown or from the comfort of your own home. Now you may also order Kendall’s beautiful rugs, featured furniture and select gift items online 24/7! Click here to visit the site.
Along with a new and improved online presence, Kendall’s brick and mortar has just been remodelled to serve customers in-store with its core offerings of Canadian-made furniture, fair-trade rugs, amazing wallpaper, blinds, custom drapery, fabrics and reupholstery.
In the coming weeks, Kendall & Co becomes Santa’s Workshop as busy elves transform it into Toronto’s most magical Christmas shop.
Store hours - Monday to Thursday from 10 am to 6 pm, Friday 10 am to 7 pm, Saturday 11 am to 6 pm and Sunday 12 am to 5 pm.
Thanksgiving turkeys
Mark at St Jamestown Steak & Chops (516 Parliament) is taking orders for your Thanksgiving turkeys. Lamb, steaks, roast beef and more are all available for people who have turkey allergies! You can shop online - click here.
RESTAURANT NEWS
Vicino in Regent Park
Vicino Italian Kitchen is the new restaurant located on the ground floor at The Sumach (148 Sumach). It’s a modern, bright room with two walls of floor-to-ceiling windows and a spiffy front patio that looks out onto the Regent Park Athletic Grounds. In fact, later in the day of my visit, over 100 soccer players were scheduled to arrive for post-practice eats.
This is a good restaurant. My friends and I enjoyed a mushoom pizza and rigatoni bolognese, followed up by homemade gelato and Americano coffees. Great stuff.
The room is managed by Justin Helie-Masters. Click here for more contact info, menus and photos.
Speaking of Italian
Gusto (501 King E) is bringing its Italian specialties to Corktown. Its owners have a four-storey building on King Street that they’ve been renovating for several years. The new restaurant will, apparently, be stunning. blogTO has done an introductory story - click here. https://www.blogto.com/eat_drink/2019/09/gusto-501-italian-toronto/
Dova is the new southern Italian and Mediterranean restaurant that’s currently being created in the former Hey Lucy location (229 Carlton). Plans currently call for an official opening before Christmas. Anyone who wants to sample the quality of the menu can visit its sister restaurant, Ardo (243 King E).
Odin is going vegan
Effective Saturday October 5, Odin (514 King E) will be completely vegan and plant based. The same coffee and treats, just better and healthier. There’ll also be a new weekend brunch menu from 10 am to 3 pm featuring items such as blue matcha pancakes, breakfast sandwiches and a new and improved avocado toast.
Get ready for Thanksgiving
Paintbox (555 Dundas E) and Daniel et Daniel (248 Carlton) have each announced prepared Thanksgiving feasts.
Paintbox Bistro has roasted carved turkey, apple sage dressing, mashed potatoes, garlic green beans, roasted squash, cranberry sauce and gravy - for a vegetarian dish, substitute vegan baked squash for turkey. $29 per person. Order online for pickup on Friday October 11 between 8 am and 8 pm.
Daniel et Daniel will prepare your Thanksgiving feast (minimum order for ten people) - butternut squash soup, sage roast turkey, cranberry sauce, herbed mash potatoes, French green beans, stuffing and apple or pumpkin pie. $37.50 per person. Click here for ordering and more info.
Cyril’s soups
Cyril’s Fall schedule is now underway with more soups and juices. On Saturday, his soup will be spicy sausage chilli ($12) or vegetarian chilli ($9) and his juice will be green goddess juice with cucumber, apple, celery, spinach and green grapes ($9). Next Tuesday, he’s serving ginger miso soup with udon noodles and 5-spice 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
THANKSGIVING IN OUR RESTAURANTS
Cranberries
Three courses and two sittings, 5 pm and 7:30 pm, Sunday October 13 and Monday. Reservations at (416) 925-6330 - a good idea since these dinners are always a popular sell-out. $35.
Peartree
Three course dinner for only $28.95. Saturday October 12, Sunday and Monday. 507 Parliament.
The Tilted Dog
Traditional Thanksgiving dinner on Saturday October 12 at 5 pm, Sunday at 5 pm and Monday at 4 pm. Traditional Turkey Dinner-$25 and add housemade pumpkin pie, $29.
Roasted Ontario grain-fed turkey, mashed & garlic potatoes, seasonal mixed vegetables, housemade stuffing, cranberry sauce and turkey gravy. For dessert, add housemade pumpkin pie topped with fresh whipped cream. 424 Parliament
SEPTEMBER THEATRE & DANCE PRODUCTIONS
Listed by starting dates.
The Heidi Chronicles
Alumnae Theatre (70 Berkeley)
On stage to Saturday October 5
Website and tickets here. (416) 364-4170
A Streetcar Named Desire
Soulpepper (50 Tank House Lane)
On stage to Sunday October 27
Website and tickets here. (416) 866-8666
CAMINOS 2019: A festival of new performance works
Native Earth, Aki Studio (585 Dundas E)
On stage to October 13
Website and tickets here. (416) 531-1402
CAMINOS 2019: Mura Buai
Native Earth, Aki Studio (585 Dundas E)
On stage to October 5
Website and tickets here. (416) 531-1402
Night/Shift
Citadel (304 Parliament)
On stage to Saturday October 5
Website and tickets here. (416) 364-8011
Almighty Voice and His Wife
Soulpepper (50 Tank House Lane)
October 11 to November 10
Website and tickets here. (416) 866-8666
CLUBS & PUBS – DAILY LISTINGS
THURSDAY OCTOBER 3 TO SUNDAY OCTOBER 13
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 3
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
Tilted Dog
8 pm, live music with Jeff Barnes and Noah Zacharin
FRIDAY OCTOBER 4
Alice’s Place
9:30 pm, Karaoke
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
SATURDAY OCTOBER 5
Alice’s Place
9:30 pm, karaoke
Dominion
8 pm, Alex Z/Havelin
SUNDAY OCTOBER 6
Alice’s Place
9:30 pm, Karaoke
MONDAY OCTOBER 7
Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
TUESDAY OCTOBER 8
Dominion
7 pm, Pub Stumpers Trivia
Flipside Donuts & Bar
7 pm, Tuesday Trivia
Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 9
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
The Tilted Dog
7:30 pm, Smart Ass Trivia with Porter
THURSDAY OCTOBER 10
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
Tilted Dog
10 pm, Comedy Night with Ethan O’Reilly
FRIDAY OCTOBER 11
Alice’s Place
9:30 pm, Karaoke
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
SATURDAY OCTOBER 12
No events submitted
SUNDAY OCTOBER 13
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
