This week’s image: the Burlington Teen Tour Band was one of scores of marching bands in the Santa Claus parade.
CABBAGETOWN
NEIGHBOURHOOD
REVIEW
RESPITE CENTRE UPDATES
Kristyn Wong-Tam
On October 30, Councillor Wong-Tam introduced a motion in City Council asking for better control over decisions like this one and for safeguards to ensure that community consultations happen in a meaningful way. Clause 3 in her motion called for a pause in the work on 233 Carlton but that involved procedural problems and she amended it. The amendment removed some teeth from her motion but still gave City staff firm instructions.
Her motion is online here - scroll down almost to the bottom to item MM11-13.
The City Council debate on this topic occurred on October 30. Councillor Wong-Tam spoke, followed by Councillor Paula Fletcher who supported Ms Wong-Tam’s position and pointed out weaknesses in the current system using “delegated authority”. Video showing Ms Wong-Tam’s comments can be seen online here at 2:29:50.
Where’s the BIA
Some local residents have asked why the Cabbagetown BIA has been silent about the women’s respite centre at 233 Carlton even though its individual members are directly affected by this decision.
The BIA Board’s members have not yet made a decision or passed a motion. If they do adopt a position, they have two options for future action. If the Board welcomes the centre to 233 Carlton, it’s free to say so. If it opposes the move, it must remain silent.
When this rule was introduced, the Cabbagetown BIA strenuously opposed it as an anti-democratic betrayal of the independence and grassroots nature of the BIA movement. Our opposition made absolutely no difference at City Hall.
Sign the petition
A petition to oppose the respite centre has been organized with a target of 2,500 signatures. 2,219 people have signed to this date.
Another online petition supports the new respite centre. To date, 300 have signed it.
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
Santa Claus parade
The 115th Santa Claus parade started on Bloor Street at Parliament on Sunday November 17. It was awesome - big bands, bagpipes, floats, horses and even four guys with a bucket following the horses! Kids and clowns everywhere. During the set-up, organizers used both sides of Bloor and the viaduct to put everyone in the proper order. The crowd along the route toward Sherbourne filled the sidewalks. A great event!
Menagerie’s calendar contest - oops and a correction
Last week, the announcement about the calendar contest contained a big mistake. The email link was wrong. It’s been fixed this week - thanks to Sheila and to Lisa for your help. If you have a picture to submit, be sure to send it by Sunday November 24.
You’ve got lots of pictures of your dog, your cats, your canary… and they’re all adorable. So send one along to Menagerie Pet Shop (549 Parliament) and include a short bio and story with it. Deadline November 24. You could win a spot on its 2020 calendar plus a $25 gift. Submit your pic to info@menageriepetshop.com with the title line “Menagerie calendar contest.”
The BIA’s Christmas kick-off celebration
The BIA’s annual street celebration of the Christmas season happens on Saturday November 23, noon to 3 pm at the corner of Carlton and Parliament. There’ll be horse-drawn carriage rides, treats from Staij & Co, lots of kids’ activities, a choir and, of course, a visit from Santa.
Music for Life
This is the major fundraiser for the Dixon Hall Music School. And it’s already sold-out. The 2019 fundraising target was $250,000.
The Music School celebrated its 40th year anniversary in 2018. Every year, it provides approximately 12,500 high quality, subsidized music lessons to kids in Regent Park and surrounding neighbourhoods.
Mercedes Watson and Thompson Egbo-Egbo will emcee the gala’s program. There’ll also be special performances by students and by the featured artist Jessica Mitchell throughout the night. Wednesday November 27, 6 to 9 pm, Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E).
St Stephens Community House and the Neighbourhood Group
St Stephens is located in Kensington Market. It’s a client-centred organization with strong roots in social justice and community development. Its programs include child and youth services, employment training, newcomer services, seniors programs, health programs and homelessness supports. It fits closely with the approach now used by Central Neighbourhood House (349 Ontario) and Neighbourhood Link. The three organizations are now working through the steps to join together with a target date of April 1, 2020 - preserving their individual character and creating stronger resources for each one.
Children’s Book Bank online auction
The Book Bank’s first-ever auction is online now until November 30. The goal is $10,000 to use for gifts of free books to children and for events throughout the year. There are, of course, book packages. And tickets to the Leafs’ games, overnight stays at the Royal York, dinner at Woodbine, theatre packages, wine and cheese packages and lots more. To view the auction details and to bid, click here.
Update - Dixon Hall youth centre
The new youth centre in Regent Park (51 Wyatt) is now under construction. The exterior cladding, windows and doors have been finished and work has started on the interior drywall. Hopefully, it’ll be open for its activities early in the New Year.
Once it’s open, the centre will offer extensive programs for children and youth on the first two floors - sports, counselling, mentoring, girls’ programs and more. The Music School will occupy the third and fourth floors. It's in a great location beside the athletic grounds and in the middle of Regent Park.
Pet services
Dixon Hall and the Toronto Humane Society have joined forces to offer pet food along with Meals on Wheels for seniors with dogs and cats. Research has shown that pets are a great way to enhance health and emotional balance in their owners. The pet food service will be offered free to Meals on Wheels clients.
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 an even bigger response this year.
If interested and you have something to display and sell, you’re invited to call Tiffany at (416) 961-9425. $25 daily or $50 for the weekend.
Christmas Market in the Distillery
This hugely popular Christmas event in the historic Distillery District runs to December 22, Tuesdays through Sundays. Closed Mondays. There’ll be locally produced crafts, unique foods, entertainment, Santa and the elves. Admission is free from Tuesday to Friday and $8 (advance) and $12 (at the gate) on Friday night, Saturday and Sunday. It opens on Thursday November 14 and To learn about the daily entertainment schedules and the vendor lists, go to the website.
John Maillard
Long-time Cabbagetown resident John Maillard died on November 7 at Bridgepoint Hospital. He had just passed his 90th birthday. He was born and raised in England and moved here in 1964, joining IBM where he worked for 28 years. He and his late wife Angela lived on Hillcrest Park and he was a welcome and familiar figure in the neighbourhood. Our sympathies go to his daughter Julia and son John and their families. A memorial service will take place at the Necropolis Chapel (200 Winchester E) on Friday November 22 at 2 pm. Donations to the Bridgepoint Foundation will be gratefully received.
Cabbagetown Regent Park Museum Historical Tidbit
Photos: East End Day Nursery ca 1904 Toronto Public Library
By Sally Gibson
In late 1904, the East End Day Nursery moved into grand new quarters, the 1889 Second Empire mansion at 28 River Street owned by brewer Thomas W. Defries. Quite a change from the densely crowded, impoverished dwellings these Cabbagetown kids and their minders would have known. For six or seven cents a day, the little ones were fed and cared for while their mothers went off to work. It was an essential service. In 1907, according to an Easter solicitation, nearly 22,000 children (counting each day visit as a “child”) had romped in the playrooms, exercised on playground equipment, lazed under shady trees, and taken meals in their dining room like the children in the photograph.
CHRISTMAS CALENDAR
Save these dates - details are coming soon.
The BIA’s Christmas kick-off celebration. Saturday November 23, noon to 3 pm. Carlton and Parliament. See the notes in the Local New section.
Santa visits Pet Valu. Saturday November 30, 10 am to 4 pm and Sunday December 1, 11 am to 4 pm. 240 Carlton. Description below in the Business section.
Corktown Residents & Business holiday party, Thursday December 5, 7 to 9 pm, Aviary Brewpub (484 Front E)
Enoch Turner Schoolhouse founder’s dinner. Friday December 6, 6:15 pm. 106 Trinity. See Coming Events below.
Suze Morrison Christmas party, Saturday December 7, 11 am to 1 pm, Constituency Office, 329 Parliament.
Christmas art market at The Tilted Dog. Saturday December 7 and Sunday December 8, noon to 5 pm daily. 424 Parliament. See the Restaurant section below.
Strolling carollers. Sunday December 8, 6:45 to 8:45 pm. Winchester, Metcalfe, Sumach and Carlton area.
Corktown Chamber Orchestra Christmas Chestnuts, Thursday December 12, 8 pm, Little Trinity Church, 425 Parliament.
Community carolling at The Tilted Dog. Sunday December 22, 3:30 to 6:30 pm. 424 Parliament.
COMING EVENTS
Listed by starting dates
Cabbagetown Preservation Association
The CPA has announced on its website that the garden at 70 Amelia has won the Streetscapes award. The presentation will happen at the CPA’s Fall meeting, Thursday November 21, 7 to 9 pm. The CPA will also present its Recognition Award for an outstanding contribution to the community. Following the awards, the Cabbagetown Talks presentation will focus on Regent Park and Cabbagetown: past and future with Laura Johnson, Stephanie Fernandes and Robert Johnson. Meeting House, Riverdale Farm (Sumach and Winchester)
Breakfast and a movie
Enjoy a free breakfast and a screening of Tito & The Birds. It’s fun for the whole family. Sponsored by the Regent Park Film Festival and the Daniels Corporation. Saturday November 23, 9 am, Ada Slaight Hall, Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E).
Jack Grunsky’s open studio
Jack invites everyone to visit his studio in his home (383 Wellesley E) on Sunday November 24 from 11 am to 4 pm. He’ll be showing and selling his latest works. There’ll be light refreshments and complimentary souvenirs. Jack’s career has followed two paths - as a painter and as a Juno-winning musician and performer.
Bev Jenkins at One of a Kind
Bev will be displaying her paintings in Booth B34 from Thursday November 21 to Sunday December 1. Enercare Centre (100 Princes’ Blvd, Exhibition Place). Tickets are $15, seniors and youth at $8.50, available online.
Impulse 2019
Photo: Cylla von Tiedemann
The School of Toronto Dance Theatre, 8 pm November 28 to 30 and December 5 to 7.
These are ensemble works that showcase dancers from all three years of the Professional Training Program at the School of Toronto Dance Theatre.
First year students will perform a new work by one of the School’s resident choreographers, Darryl Tracy. Second year students will present new pieces created by two very accomplished alumni of the School, Kate Alton and Pulga Muchochoma. Third year students will perform a newly-commissioned piece by the renowned Montreal dance artist Marc Boivin and a new piece by Apolonia Velasquez.
Winchester Street Theatre (80 Winchester). Tickets are $22 General Admission, $17 Students/Seniors/CADA - online at schooloftdt.org or call (416) 967-6887.
Cabbagetown South holiday party
Save the date. This event is always a lot of fun. Meet your neighbours and friends. Wear a Christmas sweater. Hors d’oeuvres and sweet treats. Monday December 2, 6:30 pm, The Tilted Dog (424 Parliament). Tickets are available online here. $10.
Enoch Turner Schoolhouse founder’s dinner
Celebrate the opening of Toronto’s first free school, 171 years ago. Music by Jordan Scholl and Lesley Bouza with pianist Ross Inglis. Bruce Beaton, Master of Ceremonies. Hors d’oeuvres, traditional Christmas dinner, wine. $120, charitable receipt issued. RSVP by December 2 to (416) 327-6997 or info@enochturnerschoolhouse.ca
Healthy neighbourhood forums
Councillor Wong-Tam has been hosting community conferences to draft ideas for healthier neighbourhoods. Expert speakers and roundtable discussions. The comments and feedback from these sessions will shape her work here in the future. Two more are scheduled - save the dates.
Regent Park and Cabbagetown - Tuesday November 26, 6 pm, Regent Park Community Centre (402 Shuter).
St. Lawrence, Corktown & West Don Lands - Monday December 2, 6 pm, St Lawrence Community Centre, Multipurpose Room (230 The Esplanade).
St. Lawrence, Corktown & West Don Lands - Monday December 2, 6 pm, St Lawrence Community Centre, Multipurpose Room (230 The Esplanade).
Wintersong - Dances for a sacred season
Presented by the Canadian Contemporary Dance Theatre. Seasonal dance inspired by the world’s rich solstice traditions.
A world premiere by 2019 Dora Award-winning choreographer Jera Wolfe highlights the program. Hanna Kiel's A Day of Light returns for a second year, alongside WinterSong classics Les Belles Heures and Nowell Sing We by esteemed Canadian dance artist Carol Anderson.
Friday December 13 at 8 pm and Saturday December 14 at 2 pm. Fleck Dance Theatre, Harbourfront (207 Queens Quay W). Tickets and more info are available online.
Soulpepper’s Family Festival
Soulpepper is bringing back three classics for the whole family over Christmas. Peter Pan and A Christmas Carol are both on stage from December 6 to 24. Tweet Tweet returns on December 27, 28 and 29. These are very popular seasonal performances. Tickets and info will be available at the Soulpepper website - click here.
KIDS’ STUFF
Buds and Blossoms
Buds and Blossoms (517 Parliament, second floor) is hosting a PJ Party next Friday November 22 from 6 pm to 8:30 pm. It’s a great way for mom and dad to have an evening without the kids. PJ Parties include a pizza dinner, a super fun movie, popcorn and a special themed craft. Ages 4 +.$30 per child, $20 for siblings. Click here for more info.
BUSINESS NEWS
Christmas In-Store & Now Online
Kendall & Co has Toronto’s best selection of unique ornaments, a wonderful selection of toys and games for all ages, amazing party crackers, magical snow globes and adorable advent calendars. How lucky are Cabbagetowners to find this much Christmas joy so near and dear. Shop in-store and now online before they sell out! On Instagram, follow @kendallandco for their featured items https://www.instagram.com/kendallandco
Open - Monday to Thursday from 10 am to 6 pm, Friday 10 am to 7 pm, Saturday 11 am to 6 pm and Sunday noon to 5 pm.
Santa’s coming to Pet Valu
Spiffy up your dog, cat, rabbit and canary and bring it along for a fun-filled photo op. Saturday November 30, 10 am to 4 pm and Sunday December 1, 11 am to 4 pm. 240 Carlton. $10
Workshops at Blooming Flower Bar
Anji has organized three workshops on holiday floral decorations and each one is a great experience for yourself and a great gift for someone on your list. The topics include holiday urns (Thursday November 27 - $175), wreath-making (Thursday December 5 - $125) and centrepieces (Wednesday December 18 - $65). Learn to make these arrangements and then take your creation home. Snacks and supplies are provided. Please use the website for more info and reservations. All workshops take place at Blooming Flower Bar, 559 Parliament.
RESTAURANT NEWS
Art Market at The Tilted Dog
Save the date and drop in to the pub to view the crafts, jewellery, paintings and local baked goods. Everyone is welcome. Saturday December 7 and Sunday December 8, noon to 5 pm daily. 424 Parliament.
Cabbagetown Comedy Night
The monthly comedy show is back at The Social Smiths (574 and 1/2 Parliament). Thursday November 28, 7:30 pm. Local comics hosted by Robert Watson. Cash bar. Tickets $10 at Eventrite.
PWA Joy Drive
The annual PWA food drive is happening at The Tilted Dog (424 Parliament). Drop off non-perishables at the pub.
Cyril’s soups
Cyril has finished making his soups for the season. He’ll still be available for special orders.
You can email him at abeautifulbowl@gmail.com
NOVEMBER & DECEMBER
THEATRE & DANCE PRODUCTIONS
Listed by starting dates.
FireWorks Festival - 3 new plays
Alumnae Theatre (70 Berkeley)
The final play in the Festival is now on stage.
If the Shoe Fits
November 20 to 24
Website and tickets here. (416) 364-4170
Weesageechak Begins to Dance 32
Annual developmental festival of new Indigenous works
Aki Studio Theatre (585 Dundas E)
On stage to November 23
Website and tickets here. (416) 531-1402
Ring
Toronto Dance Theatre (80 Winchester)
On stage to November 23
Website and tickets here. (416) 967-1365
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
A Christmas Carol
Soulpepper (50 Tank House Lane)
December 6 to December 24
Website and tickets here. (416) 866-8666
Peter Pan
Soulpepper (50 Tank House Lane)
December 6 to December 24
Website and tickets here. (416) 866-8666
Tweet Tweet
Soulpepper (50 Tank House Lane)
December 27 to December 29
Website and tickets here. (416) 866-8666
CLUBS & PUBS – DAILY LISTINGS
THURSDAY NOVEMBER 21 TO SUNDAY DECEMBER 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 NOVEMBER 21
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
Tilted Dog
8 pm, Open mic with Robert LaBell
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 22
Alice’s Place
9:30 pm, Karaoke
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
SATURDAY NOVEMBER 23
Dominion
8 pm, Havelin
SUNDAY NOVEMBER 24
Alice’s Place
9:30 pm, Karaoke
MONDAY NOVEMBER 25
Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
TUESDAY NOVEMBER 26
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 27
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
The Tilted Dog
7:30 pm, Smart Ass Trivia with Porter
THURSDAY NOVEMBER 28
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
Social Smiths
7:30 pm, Cabbagetown Comedy Night with Robert Watson, $10.
The Tilted Dog
8 pm, open mic fingr style guitar sessions
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 29
Alice’s Place
9:30 pm, Karaoke
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
SATURDAY NOVEMBER 30
Alice’s Place
9:30 pm, karaoke
Dominion
8 pm, DJ Tharen
SUNDAY DECEMBER 1
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
