February 6

This week’s image:  It’s getting chilly again!


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. 
“The inspiration for my landscapes comes from Ontario’s fields, hills, trees, rocks, lakes and rivers. I’ve been living in Cabbagetown for 24 years and I’ve recently started painting cityscapes of my immediate neighbourhood.”  
For more information, email cabbagetownreview@gmail.com 

233 CARLTON 

Committee of Adjustment
Click on the image to see a larger version.
The City of Toronto officials will hold a public briefing on Monday February 10 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm at Central Neighbourhood House. They’ll explain the changes planned for 233 Carlton Street to make it more suitable as a respite centre.  The project’s architects will be there to discuss the new design. 
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. 

Two alerts worth noting
On all of the notices about 233 Carlton, City of Toronto staff emphasize that the Committee of Adjustment will not make a ruling about the location of the women’s resource centre at 233 Carlton.
In her February newsletter, Councillor Kristyn Wong Tam repeats the threat that any hold-ups at the Committee of Adjustment will be ignored.  She claims that the centre will simply open without the renovations requested at the Committee.

Voice your opinion
An online petition supports the new respite centre.  To date, 537 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

CABBAGETOWN YOUTH CENTRE

Funding status at the CYC 
The Cabbagetown Youth Centre’s (2 Lancaster) is still looking for $350,000 in emergency funding from the City of Toronto. A private donor is supporting the CYC and it has enough to carry it forward with its After 4, boxing and kids’ programs for a few months.
If the emergency funds come through, the sports programs, March Break plans, martial arts and performing arts will all be revived.  
Mayor John Tory announced a new $6 million fund.  It will be used to fight youth violence and to build up recreational facilities and community programs in high risk neighbourhoods. This program will involve grants to groups like the CYC and the centre will definitely apply.  The CYC does exactly this job in St James Town, Cabbagetown and Regent Park.

Join the press conference
Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam is holding a press conference on Friday February 7 on the second floor of City Hall (100 Queen W).  She wants to focus attention on the CYC’s current plight and on the request for financial aid sent to the City.  Barbara Hall and Lucy Troisi, among others, will join her. 
Parents and kids are invited.  A show of strength and support will be very helpful.  Meet on the second floor between 9 and 9:15 am.  
A media advisory from the Councillor explains the CYC’s value and its current needs.  

Sign the petition
A petition is circulating 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.   

The CYC needs your help
Blaine Pearson has joined the Board at the Cabbagetown Youth Centre (2 Lancaster).  She writes that the CYC is facing big challenges to expand its long-standing importance to our community. “We need your help.  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

Happy birthdays
Birthday wishes go out to Susan (left), Susan and Gillian - and to Carolyn but she’s currently out of town.  They each have a birthday on February 5.  Gillian’s husband Stuart has passed away so Mary (lower left) is his stand-in.  A great group at a great lunch.

Support for the teachers
The Sprucecourt School Council which represents parents in the area has sent out an announcement mentioning ways to support teachers on the picket line.  They include providing a washroom or warming area, sending an email to the government and joining the teachers on the picket line.

Teachers’ strikes
In the next two weeks, students in our elementary schools will lose four full days in the classroom.  Teachers at Rose Avenue, Sprucecourt, Winchester and Lord Dufferin will hold day-long strikes on Thursday February 6, Friday February 7, Tuesday February 11 and Wednesday February 12.  
The OSSTF organizes the secondary school actions.  Their plans for next week have not been made public yet.

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.    

Update on the Wellesley Community Centre
Work on the new pool at the Wellesley Centre is now 80% complete.  Councillor Wong Tam reports that there’s still work to do on the pool deck, change rooms, security systems and siding.  An opening date is targetted for Spring 2020. 

Parliament Street bus service
The 365 Bus runs along Parliament every night from 2 to 5:30 am.  The TTC has announced plans to end this service in the fall, 2020.  Apparently, it now attracts “4 boarders per service hour” and the minimum for a viable route is 10.  The TTC also feels that the services along Yonge, Bloor, Carlton, King and Queen all provide adequate alternatives.  

Congrats to Regent Park School of Music
Students from the School performed at the 23rd annual  Maple Blues Awards presentation on Monday February 3.  The ceremony - organized by the Toronto Blues Society - is a very special evening that celebrates the best blues from across the country.

Cabbagetown Regent Park Museum Historical Tidbit
Photo:  Don River Breaking Up, February 24, 1899 City of Toronto Archives 376-2-21  
By Sally Gibson  
Breaking up is hard to do. But every February or March after a season of skating, curling, and shinny on the frozen Don River, the seasons changed. Warmish weather caused ice to crack and moan and break apart, to start its journey down river. This 1899 City Engineer’s photograph depicts the transition between frozen and open water. Kemp’s Manufacturing factory is on the western shore of the river adjacent to the Gerrard Street bridge. Old Cabbagetown houses can be seen south of the factory.
For more Cabbagetown history, photos and videos visit the Museum’s  Facebook page.    

COMING EVENTS
Listed by starting dates    

Skate exchange
Visit the Skate Exchange event to donate, exchange or get a pair of gently used skates at no cost.  Saturday February 8, 11 am to 2 pm, Regent Park ice rink in the Regent Park Athletic Grounds (480 Shuter).  

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.

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. 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.

Step classes at the CYC
As the financial crisis at the Cabbagetown Youth Centre (2 Lancaster, gym) unfolds, Brenda is scheduling her step classes there on a week-by-week basis.  For the rest of February, she’s using her normal dates, Wednesdays at 9:15 am and Sundays at 11 am - no class on the Family Day weekend, Sunday February 16.  

Outdoor skating rinks
Photo:  Gina Dineen.  Paul watching the kids closely during the Moss Park League’s Winter Classic at the Regent Park rink.
The City’s outdoors rinks are now open.  We have three in our neighbourhood.  The latest rink details are online here - the rink at Sherbourne Common is snow-covered and there’s a service alert issued for it.  .
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.

KIDS’ STUFF 

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).

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!  
Buds & Blossoms (517 Parliament) creates a safe, open and inspiring environment for kids to be themselves and discover their unique preferences through activities and experiences they might not normally have at school! 
Register with Buds and Blossoms today for a week of fun, March 16 - 20.     

BUSINESS NEWS

Valentine specials from Blooming Flower Bar
Anji has gorgeous Valentine gifts online.  Check out her selection of bouquets and roses.  Blooming Flower Bar (559 Parliament), 647-350-8076. 

VALENTINE’S SPECIAL EVENTS
Click on the menu images to see a bigger version.

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.  (PS - don't bother clicking on this menu.  It's from 2018 and only here because it's really lovely.)

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  

Winter brunch challenge
El Catrin (18 Tank House Lane, The Distillery) serves a four-course  brunch outside on the patio every Saturday and Sunday until March 1.  Guests who stay outside for all courses will save 50% on their bill - $18 instead of $36.  El Catrin has teamed up with Mealshare  to provide one meal to a needy youth for every brunch served on the patio.  

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.

Closings
Two local restaurants have closed their doors. Both of them had nice ideas and they'll be missed.

Fancy Franks (484 Parliament) won’t be serving up its hot dog combos any longer.  The location has been leased to Souvlaki Express and will reopen on March 1.

Beer Batter Fish ’n Chips (200 Carlton) has closed.  No word about future tenants at this location.  One staffer hopes that the closure is temporary. 

Winterlicious
For a full list and for the online links to these restaurants, visit the Winterlicious website. 

Photo:  Boku Noodle Bar in the Distillery
Toronto’s big mid-winter food festival continues to Thursday February 13.
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
  

FEBRUARY THEATRE & DANCE PRODUCTIONS
Listed by starting dates.

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

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   

CLUBS & PUBS – DAILY LISTINGS

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 6 TO SUNDAY FEBRUARY 16

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 6

New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
Tilted Dog
8 pm, live music with Jeff Barnes and Noah Zacharin

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 7

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

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 8

Dominion
Noon to 2 pm, Drag brunch with Tynomi Banks
8 pm, Sarah Boulton

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 9

Alice’s Place
9:30 pm, Karaoke 

MONDAY FEBRUARY 10

Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia

TUESDAY FEBRUARY 11

Dominion
7 pm, PubStumpers Trivia
Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia

WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 12

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

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.


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