This week’s image: Two out of three groundhogs were wrong!
CABBAGETOWN
NEIGHBOURHOOD
REVIEW
Nicole Thompson wrote about the groundhogs’ predictions for the end of winter in the Toronto Star.
FEATURED LOCAL ARTISTS
Every week, a new image in the right hand column highlights the work of a local artist. Throughout February, Irene Peplinski DeClute, AOCA has been featured.
For her fourth painting in this series, Irene chose a spectacular sunset over a Georgian Bay island. For more information, email cabbagetownreview@gmail.com
UPDATES - 233 CARLTON
A shabby performance
The issues at the hearing
The Committee of Adjustment approved the plans for 233 Carlton with the requested variance.
The only issue at the hearing was the single question of expanded floor space increasing from 2.0 times coverage to 2.45. This single-issue agenda made the meeting’s focus very narrow. That appears to have been intentional. It continues the process of manipulating public discussion on big community issues.
Other questions about parking and the rooftop terrace disappeared before the hearing started.
The submissions
The Committee heard from six people opposed to the centre. They spoke about personal concerns over criminal behaviour near their homes, about existing crime facing local businesses, about drug and criminal activities near local schools, about the density of social services already operating in this neighbourhood and about zoning regulations.
All of this was ignored. The Chair, Bruce Mullock, immediately ruled these comments to be irrelevant.
The architect, David Colussi, explained the need for the variance without talking about any of the larger issues. His plans were changed several times prior to the hearing. He distorted the nature and quality of the community consultation process. He dismissed the residents’ concerns. Somehow, he managed to get the question of a parking variance dropped.
The Chair allowed him to do all of this.
The Committee’s behaviour
Throughout the afternoon’s hearings on other topics, the four members of the Committee’s panel engaged themselves freely with the applicants. When this hearing started, however, their lips were sealed. They sat at the front in stony silence - except for Carl Knipfel who asked Dee Lewis for a copy of her submission. When the final Committee discussion happened, they gave the unmistakeable appearance of people following a script and looking for a way out of the room. Nothing that they did was at all spontaneous, except, again a comment from Mr Knipfel that the residents had avoided bigoted statements in their remarks.
Reactions
As one observer from the neighbourhood noted, “Today I kind of feel a bit bruised by it all. I didn't realize how angry I was until I started shovelling snow and grousing to neighbours!”
You made your opinions known
Since the Fall, local residents and business people have expressed their views about the resource centre.
An online petition supported it. To date, 580 have signed it. Another petition opposed it. 2,463 people have signed to this date.
At the Committee of Adjustment, the clerk reported that 17 emails and letters of support and 87 in opposition had been received.
LOCAL NEWS
How much is your home worth
Hilary Browning and Nick Humphries at Sage Realty (538 Parliament) have published their annual year-end look at Cabbagetown’s 2019 home sales.
As you can see, the overall picture is positive. 85 transactions happened in 2019, taking an average of 14 days on the market to sell. The average sale price went up by 2.25% and the median price increased by 5.31%.
The detailed analysis shows that row houses and detached houses suffered small declines in average sale prices and semi-detached homes enjoyed a slight increase.
Consultation on the Sidewalk Labs project
Waterfront Toronto has completed its technical evaluations of Quayside, the Sidewalk Labs proposal. Two follow-up public meetings are now scheduled, one at 9 am and the second at 1:30 pm - both on Saturday February 29 at the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel (1 Harbour Square). The Discussion Guide for the meetings and the Quayside Evaluation Committee Report are available online - click here.
Consultation about the ON corridor
Metrolinx is planning to use the rail line that runs east of Corktown, Regent Park and Cabbagetown in the Don Valley for train relief service. Suze Morrison, our MPP, is having a public meeting to get community reactions to this proposal. Monday March 2, 7 pm, Pam McConnell Aquatic Centre (640 Dundas E).
Tickets for the Cottage Life show
Local realtor Richard Silver invites interested people to contact him for free tickets to the show. It’s happening March 26 to 29 at the International Centre in Mississauga. Email him at rsilver@sothebysrealty.ca to get your tickets.
Remembering Raymond Sykes
Photo: Raymond and his daughter Anne Marie Boone at her wedding.
Wendy London from Winchester Street asked that we remember Raymond in today’s blog. He passed away on Sunday February 23. She calls him “a right hand person to many of us - shovelling snow, raking leaves, gardening. He has always been there for us within 1/2 hour of a call or snowstorm . He will be remembered as a good man, father and trusted friend. He was a loyal Cabbagetowner at heart.”
COMING EVENTS
Listed by starting dates
Corktown Chamber Orchestra
Corktown’s community orchestra will hold its first concert of the 2020 season on Thursday March 5, 8 pm in Little Trinity Church (425 Queen E). The program includes pieces from Beethoven Eroica and Sibelius 3.
Brenda’s March step-class schedule
From Sunday March 1 to Sunday March 22, Brenda’s following her normal schedules - Sundays at 11 am and Wednesdays at 9:15 am. She won’t be holding her classes on Wednesday March 25 or Sunday March 29. Cabbagetown Youth Centre (2 Lancaster, behind the Beer Store)
Outdoor skating rinks
If the City’s outdoor workers go on strike, the rinks will close for the duration of the work stoppage. For now, the rinks are open.
We have three rinks 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.
BUSINESS NEWS
As Seen on TV
Congrats to Kendall. The ever charming designer Steven Sabados came to Kendall & Co (514 Parliament) to pull together ideas and unique products for a decorating segment with The Marilyn Denis Show.
Click here to watch the February 27 episode and see what they came up with in textiles, wallpaper and furniture.
Shop online or in store - Tuesday to Friday from 10 am to 6 pm, Saturday 11 am to 6 pm, and Sunday noon to 5 pm. https://kendallandco.ca
IN THE MEDIA
Fire in a homeless camp
Photo: James Morrison-Collalto, CBC News
In the early morning on Sunday February 23, firefighters extinguished a large fire in a homeless camp near Corktown Commons. Firefighters had difficulty reaching the site. One man was hospitalized with serious injuries. Mayor John Tory points to the fire as one reason why the City must remove and discourage these camps. To read the CBC’s report, click here.
Data collection by Sidewalk Labs
Two articles have outlined the ongoing investigation by Waterfront Toronto into the proposed data collection practices at Quayside by Sidewalk Labs - Donovan Vincent wrote a story for the Toronto Star and Josh O’Kane did one in the Globe & Mail.
KIDS’ STUFF
Cat & Mouse City
The Daniels Corporation is sponsoring a fun city-building exercise for kids ages 4 to 12. Kids will get a chance to explore and solve real life issues like sustainable development and public transit. 10 am to 1 pm, Sunday March 1, Daniels Spectum (585 Dundas E), free.
Growing up green in the garden
On the first Saturday of each month - the next date is Saturday March 7 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).
403 Toronto Scouts
Sign your kids up in the 403 Toronto Scouts - it’s an active, fun group operating at Dixon Hall (188 Carlton). There are openings for Beavers (ages 5 to 7) on Wednesdays from 6 to 7 pm, Cubs (8 to 10) on Thursdays, 7 to 8:30 pm, Scouts (11 to 14) on Wednesdays, 7 to 9 pm and Venturers (15 to 17) on Wednesdays, 7 to 9 pm. Find out lots more on Facebook - pictures and stories that tell you what the 403 Toronto Scouts are doing.
March Break at Buds & Blossoms
March Break is only 6 weeks away and there still are a few spots left at Buds & Blossoms’ Creative Genius Camp.,
Campers will learn about different art from around the world and create their own, using bright colours and different mediums. Two days will also be dedicated to the Little Chef programming where campers will cook and bake up a storm!
Register today for a week of fun, March 16 - 20. 517 Parliament.
RESTAURANT NEWS
Paintbox Indian buffet
Join the Regent Park Catering Collective for a lunch buffet with delicious Indian food prepared by Collective member Shabana Rangoonwala. Friday February 28, 11:30 to 2 pm. Your meal is prepared under the supervision of the skilled chefs in the Paintbox kitchen. 555 Dundas E. $10.
Leap year party
Leap into March with live music by Stompin’ Down Rider and guests. Saturday February 29, 8:30 pm, Tilted Dog (424 Parliament).
Still happening
Burn your bill - The Dominion (500 Queen E) will burn one customer’s bill following any Raptors and Leafs game.
Winter brunch challenge at El Catrin (18 Tankhouse Lane, Distillery) - sit outdoors on the patio, enjoy all four courses of your brunch and earn 50% discounts, $36/$18. Saturdays and Sundays are the final days for the challenge.
Cyril’s soups and juices
Cyril’s soup for Saturday is ham and white bean chowder, $12. He’s also doing sweet potato, carrot and orange juice at $9.
He makes two soups every week - on Tuesday and Saturday. He informs interested people about his menus in advance by email. He usually prepares a regular version and vegan one.
His order deadline for Saturday delivery is 5 pm on the previous Thursday and for Tuesday, it’s 5 pm on the previous Sunday. He delivers to his Cabbagetown-area customers. He accepts payments by e-transfers and cash. Email him at abeautifulbowl@gmail.com
FEBRUARY & MARCH
THEATRE & DANCE PRODUCTIONS
Listed by starting dates.
How to Fail as a Popstar
Canadian Stage (26 Berkeley)
On stage now to March 1
Website and tickets here. (416) 368-3110
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Canadian Stage (26 Berkeley)
On stage now to March 1
Website and tickets here. (416) 368-3110
New Ideas Festival 2020
14 new short plays
Alumnae Theatre (70 Berkeley)
March 11 to March 29
Website and tickets here. (416) 364-4170
Wind in the Leaves with Allies and Friends
Citadel (304 Parliament)
March 13 to March 14
Website and tickets here. (416) 364-8011
Acceleration 2020
School of Toronto Dance Theatre
80 Winchester
March 18 to March 21
Website and tickets here. (416) 967-6887
Talent/Show
Citadel (304 Parliament)
March 25 to March 28
Website and tickets here. (416) 364-8011
The Seagull
Soulpepper
March 26 to April 26
Website and tickets here. (416) 866-8666.
CLUBS & PUBS – DAILY LISTINGS
THURSDAY FEBRUARY 27 TO SUNDAY MARCH 8
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 FEBRUARY 27
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
Tilted Dog
8 pm, open mic finger-style guitar session
FRIDAY FEBRUARY 28
Alice’s Place
9:30 pm, Karaoke
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
Paintbox
11:30 am to 2 pm, Indian buffet, $10
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 29
Tilted Dog
8:30 pm, Rock ’n roll Leap Year party with Stompin’ Down Rider.
SUNDAY MARCH 1
Alice’s Place
9:30 pm, Karaoke
MONDAY MARCH 2
Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
TUESDAY MARCH 3
Dominion
7 pm, PubStumpers Trivia
Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
WEDNESDAY MARCH 4
Alice’s Place
9:30 pm, Karaoke
The Tilted Dog
7:30 pm, Smart Ass Trivia with Porter
THURSDAY MARCH 5
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
Tilted Dog
8 pm, live music with Jeff Barnes and Noah Zacharin
FRIDAY MARCH 6
Alice’s Place
9:30 pm, Karaoke
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
SATURDAY MARCH 7
Dominion
8 pm, Sarah Boulton
SUNDAY MARCH 8
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
