This week’s image: Another dreary morning on Parliament Street - only five more weeks to Spring.
CABBAGETOWN
NEIGHBOURHOOD
REVIEW
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 will be featured.
Irene likes the opportunities in winter scenes. She obviously also likes Cabbagetown’s lanes - this week’s version of Amelia and Rawlings Lane is her second one in this series. For more information, email cabbagetownreview@gmail.com
UPDATES - 233 CARLTON
Public briefing - Committee of Adjustment
City of Toronto representatives explained the design of the new women’s centre at 233 Carlton on Monday February 10. David Colussi from Workshop Architects made the main presentation and answered questions. The discussion centred on the design proposals.
Floor space is one of the issues to be approved. Currently, the building occupies 2.4 times the lot size. The new design increases that to 2.69 times coverage - the final size will be 837 square meters.
Parking is the second issue. The by-law for the area specifies that two spaces should be set aside. The new design will not include any parking spaces.
There’ll be a new vestibule and front door on the front facade, an outdoor terrace on the rear second floor and an outdoor space on the roof. The basement will be used for office, storage and staff facilities. A reception area and dining facilities occupy the first floor. The second floor has washrooms, showers, a pet area, a counselling office and access to the outdoor terrace. The third floor has a medical office, a classroom, a computer room, a teaching kitchen, a counselling room and access to the roof space.
The large garage doors at the rear will cover a delivery area and storage for garbage bins.
Committee of Adjustment hearing
The hearing at the Committee of Adjustment will focus on the two variances noted above. It happens on Wednesday February 26 in Committee Room 2 in City Hall (100 Queen W). You can send an email of support or opposition to Bram.Bulger@toronto.ca.
Letters to the Committee of Adjustment
Letters of support and opposition have an impact at the Committee of Adjustment. By February 13, eleven letters of support had been received and posted at the Committee’s website. No one has written anything in opposition. You can keep track of what’s being submitted here - click on the line for Supporting Documentation.
An apology from the Councillor
Councillor Kristyn Wong Tam began her remarks at the briefing with an apology to the Cabbagetown community. She noted that the initial rollout of public announcements about the women’s resource centre in the summer and fall of 2019 had been handled badly and that these mistakes should not be repeated anywhere else.
Voice your opinion
An online petition supports the new respite centre. To date, 539 have signed it.
Another petition to oppose the respite centre has been organized with a target of 2,500 signatures. 2,431 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
UPDATES - CABBAGETOWN YOUTH CENTRE
Funding status at the CYC
Photo of Lucy Troisi at CYC gym - Matthew Bingley, Global News
The Cabbagetown Youth Centre (2 Lancaster) is still looking for $350,000 in emergency funding from the City of Toronto. If these funds come through, the sports programs, March Break plans, martial arts and performing arts will all be revived. The City’s decision will be made at City Council’s budget meeting on February 19.
Press conference at City Hall
Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam held a press conference at City Hall on Friday February 7. She focused attention on the CYC’s current plight and on the request for financial aid sent to the City. Over 60 people showed up including parents, kids, Board members and CYC staff. Two former mayors spoke up about the value of the CYC in this community - Barbara Hall and Art Eggleton.
The ball is now in the Mayor’s court. If he agrees and gets support from other Councillors, the CYC’s request will be handled in Council’s full budget meeting on February 19.
Global News and CBC News each covered the event and reported about the CYC and the press conference.
YOU CAN HELP
Sign the petition
So far, 750 people have signed the petition asking the Mayor and City Council to help the Cabbagetown Youth Centre. It’s available on Councillor Kristyn Wong Tam’s website - click here and sign it.
Volunteer at the CYC
Blaine Pearson has joined the Board at the Cabbagetown Youth Centre (2 Lancaster). She writes that it faces big challenges to continue its long-standing importance to our community.
“We are currently seeking participants to help with a variety of committees. If you have expertise in fundraising, strategic planning, operations or finance and you have a minimum of 6 hours per month to contribute to committee work, we'd love to hear from you. Please send an email (and if available your CV) to info@cabbagetownyouth.ca. Work starts this month, so get ready to dive in.”
LOCAL NEWS
Bev Jenkins' Sculpted Oils on Canvas
Bev will be displaying her work at the Artists Project Contemporary Art Fair. Booth 102, Thursday February 20 to Sunday February 23, Better Living Centre, Exhibition Place (195 Princes Blvd).
Cabbagetown reduces waste
The Cabbagetown BIA has launched its campaign to eliminate single use plastics and packages. Businesses that display the Cabbagetown Reduces sticker are participating. Shoppers are asked to bring their own reusable containers including coffee cups, water bottles, string bags for produce, cloth bags for bulk items, reusable containers for takeout and deli foods and reusable shopping bags. Check out the campaign info online here.
Coyote sighting
Photo: Katrine Ellingsen, Cabbagetown Moms & Dads
Katrine posted this photo of a coyote walking near Sprucecourt School last weekend. As the comments note, they’ve lived here among us harmlessly for a long time.
Birding news
Photo: Paul Vouriot
Paul snapped his pic of this hungry Cooper’s Hawk sitting on his fence a week ago. Since this is a family publication, we’ve omitted the photo of the hawk’s successful dinner - a lovely but dead hairy woodpecker. This guy has been spotted twice since then and he captured a sparrow for another dinner each time.
Our neighbourhood is full of small downey and larger hairy woodpeckers. Louise Koepfler sent along a link to a Science Alert about woodpeckers’ ability to strike a tree trunk with incredible force repeatedly and survive. Click here to read the story.
COMING EVENTS
Listed by starting dates
Nano’s fourth anniversary
Nano at The Hair Spa is celebrating her fourth anniversary for her shop at 440 Parliament. She’s offering three promos. Buy six blow drys at $35 each and get a free one. Buy five roots colourings and a blow dry for $65 each and get a sixth one free. Buy three hair cuts at $55 each and get a fourth one free. You can book your appointments online here or call (416) 920-5643.
Seedy Saturday
Seed exchange at Allan Gardens. Bring your own open-pollinated seeds to swap. Or buy seed packages throughout the event. The Toronto Master Gardeners Advice Clinic will be open to answer your questions. Kids activities, local gardening groups and more. Saturday February 15, 10 am to 1 pm, Children’s Conservatory (Jarvis and Carlton).
Leslieville Flea at The Distillery
The Flea is back at the Distillery on Sunday February 16, 10 am to 5 pm. Over 50 vendors selling vintage, salvaged, up-cycled goods, furniture, antiques, collectibles and work from select artisans. Fermenting Cellar (28 Distillery Lane).
Family Funday at Allan Gardens
Monday February 17, 1 to 3:30 pm. Bring your kids for plant-based activities and hot apple cider. There’ll be a mini pop-up plant shop with a special section containing non-toxic plants that are easy for young gardeners to grow at home! Plant sales are cash only. A donation of $2-5 per child is appreciated. Children’s Conservatory (Jarvis and Carlton).
Skating event
Save the date. Sponsored by the Friends of Regent Park. Monday February 17, 11 am - 3 pm at the Regent Park Rink (480 Shuter St.) There’ll be music, refreshments, activities and skates from the City's skate-lending library that you can use.
Repair Cafe
The Repair Cafe is back at Central Neighbourhood House (349 Ontario). Saturday February 22, noon to 4 pm. Bring your broken appliances, your lamps that need a fix-up, your computers and home electronics that have a bug, your clothing, jewellery, toys, books, bikes and more. You’ll meet a repair expert and when you leave, your stuff will be new again. This is a volunteer led event and it’s free.
Auditions for the CCDT
The Canadian Contemporary Dance Theatre invites young dancers ages 8 to 19 to audition for the upcoming season. Young auditioning dancers will be considered for full company membership, company apprenticeship, core apprenticeship, young apprenticeship and the Sundance summer intensive. The company and Sundance auditions for ages 8 to 13 happen on Sunday February 23. The company and Sundance auditions for ages 14 to 19 happen on Sunday March 1. For schedules, specific times, fees and callback dates, as well as full descriptions of each program, visit the CCDT website 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.
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
House Mix
Christopher House is offering his final show as Artistic Director at Toronto Dance Theatre this weekend. He’s wrapping up his career with House Mix at Harbourfront’s Fleck Dance Theatre on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. It’s a compilation of four of his works and one guest contribution.
NOW Magazine has a good review of his career and its impact - click here.
Congrats Tasso
Photo: Liza Agrba, Toronto Life
Toronto Life has launched a series of articles about hidden edible gems around Toronto. Its first story is about Tasso (540 Parliament), our delightful croissant bakery.
Find out what makes a great croissant and how Olyana bakes her yummy batches each week. Click here for the story.
KIDS’ STUFF
Valentines Day at the Book Bank
The Children’s Book Bank (350 Berkeley) is celebrating both Valentines and a PA Day on Friday February 14 from 10 am to 3 pm. Crafts, card making, puzzles and prizes for all the kids to enjoy. Free.
PA Day at Allan Gardens
Friends of Allan Gardens are again hosting the Family Drop-In Afternoon. Friday February 14, 1 to 2:30 pm, drop-ins welcome. In the Children’s Conservatory, Allan Gardens (19 Horticultural Ave, Jarvis and Carlton).
PA Day Camp
Buds & Blossoms (517 Parliament) offers themed games, activities and adventures on Friday February 14. 9 am to 4 pm with aftercare from 4 to 6 pm. Click here for more info.
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.
Summer Camps at Buds & Blossoms
Buds & Blossoms (517 Parliament) has published its list of summer camps. Enjoy a special promo on bookings made before Friday February 21. Get two free days of aftercare for every week booked. Book seven weeks or more and get one week free.
There’s a Mad Science camp, a Goin’ Green Earth Week, an Inventor’s workshop, a Safari Adventure, a Cooking Camp, a Colour War Art Camp, a Dinosaur Discovery, Under the Sea camp, Community Helpers and Carnival camp.
For details, prices and dates - click here.
VALENTINE NEWS
Blooming Flower Bar
Anji has gorgeous Valentine gifts online. Check out her selection of bouquets and roses. Orders placed before 10 am on Friday can be delivered. Blooming Flower Bar (559 Parliament), 647-350-8076.
Soma Chocolate
NOW Magazine says, “February specials for the lovers out there include a pale burgundy bar jam-packed (har) with raspberries, milk chocolate speckled with dried strawberries, and a white-chocolate mixed berry bar infused with Pop Rocks.” Soma (32 Tank House Lane, Distillery)
VALENTINE’S SPECIAL EVENTS
BLCK
383 Dundas E (416) 364-6565
Three course dinner with a bottle of wine, $40. Crispy cauliflower, salad or charcuterie to start, chicken breast or roast beef for your main and hazelnut cinnamon waffle or sticky toffee pudding for dessert.
Cranberries
601 Parliament, (416) 925-6330
Three course dinner includes borscht or Thai salmon cakes to start, steak & lobster, grilled Atlantic salmon or chicken roulade for your entree and dark chocolate truffle for dessert. Two seatings, 5 and 7:30 pm. $45.
Dominion
500 Queen E, (416) 366-5555
Half price desserts and wine bottles after 5 pm.
F’Amelia
12 Amelia, (416) 323-0666
Four-course dinner, $69. More info about the menu and reservations on the website.
Fusilli
531 Queen E, (416) 214-5148
Friday and Saturday - special Valentine’s menu with soup, salad, agnolotti, veal Florentina, risotto with shrimps and tiramisu or crepes for dessert. Items are individually priced.
House on Parliament
454 Parliament, (416) 925-4074
Special Valentine’s menu along with tarot card readings by Mystic Michael on Saturday.
Paintbox
555 Dundas E
Rose all day, 11 am to 8 pm - $5 glass.
Peartree
507 Parliament, (416) 962-8190
Valentine’s three-course dinner for two. Three seatings, 5, 7 and 9 pm. $75.
Tilted Dog
424 Parliament, (416) 961-9425
Special Valentine’s Day menu with borscht, crab cakes, salmon with rice pilaf, fusilli with salsiccia sausage and homemade chocolate lava cake.
RESTAURANT NEWS
Another personal review of a Cabbagetown restaurant
You’re invited to send along your own comments about a great meal, an affable server and a satisfying venue. Send your review to cabbagetownreview@gmail.com.
This week’s remarks come from Ron and Babs. She’s a Brit who knows what a good English breakfast is!
This week’s remarks come from Ron and Babs. She’s a Brit who knows what a good English breakfast is!
Well Done Johnny Gs
Congrats to the new owners at Johnny Gs. Cabbagetowners can now boast about having one of Toronto’s best breakfast diners. Great food, great service, great coffee and no need to leave the neighbourhood when you feel the urge for first rate eggs Benedict or an all-inclusive English breakfast - Ron & Babs.
Gusto 501 is open
Gusto 501 (501 King E) is Corktown’s new Italian restaurant. “Come in for your morning espresso and cornetti in our caffè or enjoy dishes cooked fresh on our wood-fired grill and pizza oven in our Trattoria. In the evening make your way up to Attico - our nod to the Italian spuntini bar - for elevated cocktails and small sharing plates.” Check out its menus, hours and reservation info online here.
Peartree’s Winter Delicious
Peartree’s (507 Parliament) own winter celebration for February is available now. Enjoy a three-course dinner for $30. Call for reservations to (416) 962-8190.
Psychic brunch at Cranberries
Ralph and Elizabeth return to Cranberries on Sunday February 16 at 11 am. You’ll get two readings and a $5 coupon to use toward your brunch at Cranberries.
FEBRUARY THEATRE & DANCE PRODUCTIONS
Listed by starting dates.
House Mix
Toronto Dance Theatre (80 Winchester)
Performance at Fleck Dance Theatre (207 Queens Quay W, Harbourfront)
Thursday February 13, Friday and Saturday
Website and tickets here. (416) 973-4000
Imprints: Choreographic Workshops, 2020
School of Toronto Dance (80 Winchester)
February 13, 14 & 15
Website and tickets here. (416) 967-6887
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)
On stage to February 16
Website and tickets here. (416) 531-1402
How to Fail as a Popstar
Canadian Stage (26 Berkeley)
February 18 to March 1
Website and tickets here. (416) 368-3110
Children of Chemistry
Citadel + Compagnie (340 Parliament)
February 20 to 22
Website and tickets here. (416) 364-8011
CLUBS & PUBS – DAILY LISTINGS
THURSDAY FEBRUARY 13 TO SUNDAY FEBRUARY 23
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 13
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
FRIDAY FEBRUARY 14
Alice’s Place
9:30 pm, Karaoke
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 15
Dominion
8 pm, Fourth Born (James Stephens)
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 16
Alice’s Place
9:30 pm, Karaoke
Cranberries
11 am, Psychic brunch with two readings and coupon, $45.
MONDAY FEBRUARY 17
Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
TUESDAY FEBRUARY 18
Dominion
7 pm, PubStumpers Trivia
Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 19
Alice’s Place
9:30 pm, Karaoke
The Tilted Dog
7:30 pm, Smart Ass Trivia with Porter
THURSDAY FEBRUARY 20
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
Tilted Dog
8 pm, Open mic with Robert LaBell
FRIDAY FEBRUARY 21
Alice’s Place
9:30 pm, Karaoke
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 22
Dominion
8 pm, The Good You’s
Mill Street Beer Hall
1 pm, Community market day with craft beer samples and local artisans
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 23
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
