January 23

This week’s image:  the teachers are on strike and the kids are on the hill.


CABBAGETOWN
NEIGHBOURHOOD 
REVIEW


New to the Review… 
FEATURED LOCAL ARTISTS

Every week, a new image will highlight the work of a local artist.  Jack Grunsky starts this project and his work will be displayed through January.  His image is in the right column - click on it to connect with his website.

233 CARLTON 

Community Forum
The City of Toronto organized a Community Forum about the new women’s centre (233 Carlton) on Tuesday January 21 in the Cabbagetown Youth Centre.  It was an interesting, informative meeting.  A good crowd showed up to hear explanations from City staff.
There were various tables and one topic was discussed at each one - safety, building design, the role of a resource centre, community engagement and the Downtown East Action Plan. City officials took notes as residents made comments.  Various partners who will work with the women in the centre were also available - the Fred Victor Mission, University Health Network, Dixon Hall, even the Toronto Public Library among others. 
On the one hand, this was an informative process.  People gathered at each table to learn about the planning for the centre’s programs.  
On the other hand, there was absolutely no opportunity to express either support or opposition to the centre’s location in Cabbagetown. The City staff regard the location as a done deal and discussions about it as irrelevant.

Committee of Adjustment
A hearing at the City’s Committee of Adjustment is scheduled for February 26.  The Committee will look at changes to the building itself and make decisions about minor amendments to zoning requirements. 
The City of Toronto officials will hold a briefing about the Committee hearing on Monday February 10 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm at Central Neighbourhood House. The project’s architects will be there to discuss the building’s design.

A new group
The Cabbagetown Coalition is a new group of local residents and business people worried about safety and security issues at the new women’s centre (233 Carlton).  They encourage you to join their group and get their notices -info@cabbagetowncoalition.ca 
They also suggest that you join one of the local residents’ associations - Cabbagetown South, Aberdeen Avenue, Winchester Park and Cabbagetown Residents Association.  
If you want to express your opinions directly, contact Mayor Tory, Councillor Wong Tam or the City Manager.  Their email addresses are listed below, along with links to two different petitions.

Voice your opinion
An online petition supports the new respite centre.  To date, 422 have signed it.  
Another petition to oppose the respite centre has been organized with a target of 2,500 signatures.  2,408 people have signed to this date.  
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 

Emergency funding for the CYC
If the Cabbagetown Youth Centre (2 Lancaster) can’t find new funding immediately, it will close on January 31 or in early February.  
Lucy Troisi, the CYC’s executive director, made a deputation at the City of Toronto’s Budget Committee on Monday January 20.  The CYC has requested $350,000 in emergency funding.  Her presentation was supported by Barbara Hall and Ryan Dudnick from Council Fire.
To see the presentation on YouTube, click here and scroll across to 1:55.  

Eric Morse went for a ride
He rode the Carlton streetcar from Cabbagetown west to the High Park Loop, back to Cabbagetown and then east to the Main Street subway station and back again.  He pointed a camera out the window and made a film of every inch along the way. He did this during New Year’s week when the weather was clear and dry and the trees were bare.
He says that it’s just like a streetcar ride except you don’t have to take the streetcar.  The Cabbagetown neighbourhood shows up very well. It’s remarkably clean and comfortable.  The Epicure Shop with its butter tarts is his favourite place and so is the High Park Loop for evoking an older Toronto.
Watching a two-hour video of houses, condos and storefronts may seem at first like a minor exercise in boredom.  In fact, it’s like potato chips - you can’t take just one bite. It quickly becomes addictive.  
Thanks also to Stan Smrke for the jazzy sound track from his recordings of live sessions.
Check it out online here.   

Board members for the CRA
The Cabbagetown Residents Association is looking for volunteers to serve on its Board of Directors.  It’s a fun group that does amazing projects in the community - the Forsythia Festival, the annual Pumpkin Walk and the Christmas Lights contest.  It also acts regularly on issues that affect local residents. The CRA’s boundaries go from Gerrard north to Wellesley and from the Don Valley west to Parliament.  To volunteer or to get more info, contact info@cabbagetowner.com 

Stuart Marwick
Photo:  Cabbagetown neighbours on a bike ride.  Stuart is shown at the top left corner.
Cabbagetown has lost an interesting, enjoyable friend.  Stuart died on Wednesday January 22.  He was always a source of colourful, intriguing stories, many of them about his African adventures, his experiences in Holland, his political campaign in Owen Sound and his early days in Conrad Black’s then-budding newspaper chain.  Underneath his powerful opinions and his love for puns, he was warm and generous.  Our sympathies go to his wife Gillian and daughter Robin.  Details about his funeral arrangements will come soon.

Cabbagetown Regent Park Historical Tidbit
Photo:  Queen & Parliament streets, September 1917, CTA 1231-1647 
By Sally Gibson    
Construction season in Toronto has a long history. This photo documents paving and tracklaying. It looks straight up Parliament Street from Queen East in 1917. 
John V McAcree, journalist and author of The Cabbagetown Store, recalls watching Parliament Street being resurfaced from the late nineteenth century onward. His primary perch was his store on the east side of Parliament midway between Queen and Wilton (now Dundas East), where the wagon in the photo is halted across Parliament in the mid-distance.
“ The street in front of the store was, as I first remember it, macadam.
Later it was paved with cedar blocks, with gravel and tar mixed to bind
them together on the surface. Most of these blocks in time gave way to
asphalt but many of them, before they had actually been laid, were
taken by the residents for firewood. A few were used in pairs, joined by
a leather strap, as a support by the boys who were learning to swim in
the Don River.”

 Lookin' good
Victoria, Lisa and Steve were studying every word at the Community Forum. 

COMING EVENTS
Listed by starting dates    

Farewell Regent
A screening of the film Farewell Regent takes place on Friday January 24 at 6:30 pm in the Daniels Spectrum.  The film looks at the redevelopment through the eyes of tenants and stakeholders.  Representatives from the City of Toronto, TCHC and the Daniels Corporation will answer questions.  Free.

The Ontario Line subway
The Ontario Line will run from Ontario Place, through the downtown and north to the Ontario Science Centre at Eglinton and Don Mills.  Local stations are proposed for Moss Park and Corktown.  Metrolinks is hosting information sessions to get reactions from the general public.  Two are close to our neighbourhood - Monday January 27 at Ryerson’s Tecumseh Auditorium (55 Gould) and Tuesday January 28 Metropolitan Church (115 Simpson).

Open house at The Sumach
The Sumach by Chartwell (146 Sumach) offers you a worry-free lifestyle in its retirement residence.  You’re invited to its Open House for a personalized visit from 10 am to 5 pm throughout the week of January 27 to 31. Light refreshments. Please RSVP to Nahid at nkeshavjee@chartwell.com or call (416) 644-8912.

Corktown Residents & Business Association
The CBRA annual meeting happens on Tuesday February 4 from 7 to 9 pm at the Cooper Koo Family Cherry Street YMCA (461 Cherry).  Special guests include Councillor Kristyn Wong Tam, Dianna English from WE,  Arthur Klimowicz from Toronto Centre Cyclists and from Seventy Seven Park.  The annual business session will follow.  Please RSVP to eventrite - click here.   

Toronto Light Festival
The fourth annual Light Festival has returned to the Distillery and it’ll  run to Sunday March 1.  It’s organized by local and international light artists.  The Distillery is filled in the evening with their displays.  Sundays to Wednesdays - sundown to 9 pm.  Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays - sundown to 10 pm.

Save the Date
Despite the cold and snow outside, many of us are already thinking about gardening.  The Cabbagetown Hidden Gardens & Private Spaces tour will take place in June.  A few beautiful (back) gardens are already lined up. If you know about a garden for the tour or if you would like to offer yours, please email cpa@cabbagetownpa.ca. 
Volunteers are also needed.  
Details and tickets will be available closer to the date on the website.   

Step classes at the CYC
While the financial crisis at the Cabbagetown Youth Centre (2 Lancaster, gym) unfolds, Brenda is planning to announce her step classes there on a week-by-week basis.  In early February, she’s scheduled Sunday February 2 at 11 am and Wednesday February 5 at 9:15 am.  Her normal schedule will be followed through February unless notified otherwise.  

Badminton on Thursday
Senior badminton players (60+) are invited to join a free drop-in program. There’s a core group who play every week and there’s room for more who want to join. It happens every Thursday from 1 to 3 pm at Wellesley Community Centre (495 Sherbourne).  Contact Sherry at 495sherbourne.thursdays@gmail.com for more information.

Outdoor skating rinks
The City’s outdoors rinks are now open.  We have three in our neighbourhood.  The latest rink details are online here.
Regent Park (480 Shuter).  Next to the Regent Park Athletic Grounds.  
Riverdale Park East (550 Broadview).  Just across the Don Valley. 
Sherbourne Common (5 Lower Sherbourne).  A great spot for lakefront and downtown Toronto views.

IN THE MEDIA

Brotherly love
Toronto Life’s print version has run a memoir by Nicholas Ashakah about his experiences with his Big Brother.  It’s a very touching story that recounts his wilder days in Regent Park, his new partnership with Pat McNamara and the subsequent successes that Pat helped him to achieve.  Today, he’s studying neuroscience at U of T and wants to be a medical doctor.  
This story is in the print edition but not online.

Toronto’ economic boom
Photo:  Toronto Star
Regent Park residents appealed to the City’s budget committee this week for help coping with rising costs, specifically by funding a social development plan for sports leagues and other programs in low income neighbourhoods.  David Rider and Francine Kopun wrote about their delegation and compared their experiences to the rosy picture painted by the Mayor for Toronto’s job opportunities.  Click here to read their story.  

Decision about Sidewalk Labs
Image:  Toronto Star
May Warren reports in the Toronto Star that Waterfront Toronto has delayed its decision date about Sidewalk Labs.  Originally scheduled for March 31, it will now be May 20.  The delay will give the public a better chance for a final input into the project.  Click here for the story.  

KIDS’ STUFF 

Growing up green in the garden
On the first Saturday of each month - the next date is Saturday February 1 from 10:30 am to noon.  Kid friendly gardening and composting activities, scavenger hunts, nature crafts and more. Best for kids 2 to 8 years old.  Suggested donation $2 to $5.  Parental supervision required.  Drop-ins welcome.  Allan Gardens Children’s Conservatory (19 Horticultural Ave, Carlton and Jarvis).

BUSINESS NEWS

Laughter is the Cure
With grey winter days upon us, cozy up with your drink of choice and these new funny coaster sets from Kendall & Co (514 Parliament). Handy for protecting the fine furniture you can also get from Kendall & Co. The city’s best selection of furniture, rugs, drapery, blinds, wallpaper and reupholstery all in one place, in the heart of Cabbagetown. 
And check out their design advice and outstanding service.
Store hours: Tuesday to Friday 10 am to 6 pm, Saturday 11 am to 6 pm & Sunday noon to 5 pm.   https://kendallandco.ca  

Anji’s decorations
Photo:  Irene DeClute
Anji always uses imaginative floral decorations outside her store, Blooming Flower Bar (559 Parliament).  In the summer, she scatters rose petals.  Now, she’s hanging bouquets and adding colour on dreary days.  

RESTAURANT NEWS  

Local people share their recommendations
Here’s a new feature - short reviews of great meals in local restaurants.  Please send in your comments about your own experiences.

Holly Raske writes -
“Phosome: Great Vegan in Cabbagetown.  On the recommendation of a neighbour, I just tried Phosome (480 Parliament) and had the most delicious vegan non-greasy Pad Thai — free of MSG and gluten. Can’t wait to go back to sample their extensive healthy menu and enjoy their lovey clean space. Phosome also has meat dishes for carnivores, making it a great option for everyone.  Did I mention it is well priced?”

Welcome Imanishi Basement Bar
NOW Magazine has written a glowing review of Imanishi (193 Carlton). It’s been a runaway success on Dundas Street west and now it’s opened a Cabbagetown branch.  It's located below Zakkushi, one of the best izakayas in the city.  
Natalia Manzocco writes, “The spinoff is decidedly more of a bar than a restaurant, with options ranging from a broad sake selection to novel cocktails like a tomato Chu-hai, plus beers from Godspeed and Burdock. They're even teaming up with Toronto sake distributor That's Life for special one-off tastings.  On the food side, things are kept pretty limited to light snacks. Expect a daily sashimi option, Japanese pickles, and one-pot dishes…”
Click here to read the article.  

Congrats F’Amelia
Photo:  the Winchester School fundraising party on Monday January 20
Toronto Life has compiled its list of Toronto’s Best 100 Restaurants.  F’Amelia (12 Amelia) is listed there.  “The kitchen of this Cabbagetown favourite continues to wow with its originality while maintaining the Italian spirit of simplicity.”

Winterlicious reservations are now open
Photo:  Against the Grain, Winterlicious
Toronto’s big mid-winter food festival runs from Friday January 31 to Thursday February 13. Reservations are now open. 
The three-course meals cost $23, $28 or $33 for lunch and $33, $43 or $53 for dinner.  
Over 200 restaurants are participating. From our area -   
Against the Grain Urban Tavern (25 Dockside),  contemporary menu, Continental & Fusion,  lunch $23 & dinner $33, 647-344-1562
Archeo (31 Trinity, Distillery), Italian, lunch $23 & dinner $33, 416-815-9898
Boku (42 Gristmill Lane, Distillery), Fushion & Japanese, lunch $23 & dinner $33, 416-368-8686
Cluny (35 Tank House Lane, Distillery),  French, lunch $28 & dinner $43,  416-203-2632
F’Amelia (12 Amelia), Italian, dinner $43,  416-323-0666
Pure Spirits Oyster House & Grill (17 Tank House Lane, Distillery),  seafood, lunch $28 & dinner $43,  416-361-5859
For a full list and for the online links to these restaurants, visit the Winterlicious website.  

Sock it to winter
The Tilted Dog (424 Parliament) is running a sock collection event.  Bring a warm pair of winter socks for people in need.  The drive is highlighted by a party on Saturday January 25 at 8 pm.  There’ll be music and prizes plus the satisfaction that your gift will be warm and welcome for someone in the middle of a cold winter.

Robbie Burns Scottish Kitchen Party
Mill Street Beerhall (21 Tank House Lane) presents its Robbie Burns Day  party - five food stations and five beer samples.  Tickets are $39 - click here.  

Cyril’s home deliveries
On Saturday January 25, it’s broccoli and white bean soup $9 and the juice is orange, apple, pineapple, mango, pomegranate and ginger, $9. 
On Tuesday January 28, he’s got winter minestrone $9.
These prices are for the 750 ml size. If you want a full litre, please add one-third to the price.  He delivers to his Cabbagetown-area customers. He accepts payments by e-transfers and cash. Email him at abeautifulbowl@gmail.com

Burn the bill
The Dominion (500 Queen E) will burn the bill for one lucky customer at the end of every Leafs or Raptors game on TV. They’re doing this throughout the season.  

JANUARY & EARLY FEBRUARY
THEATRE & DANCE PRODUCTIONS
Listed by starting dates.

Sweat
Canadian Stage  (26 Berkeley)
On stage to February 2
Website and tickets here.   (416) 368-3110   

Living with Olivia Cadence Donovan
Young Centre (50 Tank House Lane)
On stage to January 25
Website and tickets here.  (416) 866-8666   

Mother’s Daughter
Soulpepper (50 Tank House Lane)
On stage to February 9
Website and tickets here.  (416) 866-8666  

The Trip to Bountiful
Alumnae Theatre (70 Berkeley)
On stage to February 1
Website and tickets here.  (416) 364-4170   

Jesus Hopped the A-Train
Soulpepper (50 Tankhouse Lane)
On stage to February 19
Website and tickets here.  (416) 866-8666   

This Is How We Got Here
Native Earth, Aki Theatre  (585 Dundas E)
January 26 to February 16
Website and tickets here.   (416) 531-1402    

This Happened …
Citadel (304 Parliament)
January 29 to February 1
Website and tickets here.  (416) 364-8011  

CLUBS & PUBS – DAILY LISTINGS

THURSDAY JANUARY 23 TO SUNDAY FEBRUARY 2

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 JANUARY 23

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

FRIDAY JANUARY 24

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

SATURDAY JANUARY 25

Dominion
8 pm, James Sheehan
Mill Street Beer Hall
1 to 4 pm, Robbie Burns Scottish Kitchen Party, $39
Tilted Dog
8 pm, Sock it to Winter party and fundraiser

SUNDAY JANUARY 26

Alice’s Place
9:30 pm, Karaoke

MONDAY JANUARY 27

Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia

TUESDAY JANUARY 28

Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia

WEDNESDAY JANUARY 29

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

THURSDAY JANUARY 30

New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
Social Smiths
7 pm, Cabbagetown Comedy, cash bar

FRIDAY JANUARY 31

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

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 1

Dominion
8 pm, Enzo

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 2

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
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
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
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