This week’s image: Victoria Hadden’s tulips. Her image, On The Move, welcomes Spring - it’s in the private art collection of Patricia Smith.
CABBAGETOWN
NEIGHBOURHOOD
REVIEW
FEATURED LOCAL ARTISTS
Every week, a new image in the right hand column highlights the work of a local artist. Throughout March, Victoria Hadden will be featured.
She’s a Hamilton native who moved to Cabbagetown twenty years ago. She paints large works in acrylic on canvas and smaller works in pen and ink and watercolours.
She commented on her first painting - “I had occasion to attend Easter mass at the St Benoit du Lac Abbey in Quebec’s Eastern Townships, a monastery operated by Benedictine monks on beautiful Lake Memphramagog (where I’m told Pierre Trudeau retreated when overwhelmed with the pressures of his relationship with Margaret.) The altar was adorned with thousands of bright yellow daffodils. The abbey was filled with exquisite and mysterious songs, 1,500 year old Gregorian chants, long regarded as a supreme model for sacredness, discipline, and order. A handsome robed monk guided me up and up to the furthest upper reaches of the abbey, assuring me I would be closer to God. A painting emerged only hours later, expressing thoughts and feelings from a divine experience for which there were no words.”
LOCAL NEWS
The CYC needs an Interim Executive Director
Thanks Lucy
Lucy Troisi has decided to retire. She’s leaving her post as the Executive Director at the Cabbagetown Youth Centre. Her immediate plans include some travel and lots of time with her ten-year old son Vincent.
Over the past few months, she’s been a big part of the rescue effort for the CYC. Visitors to the Centre must be impressed - it’s in immaculate condition. Its Board has set up new planning committees to tackle future programming. Recent fundraising has included a community-based GoFundMe campaign. Lucy successfully earned emergency funding from the City of Toronto.
She says, “I don’t know of a more meaningful job than to serve kids in a high-risk neighbourhood.”
Thanks and best wishes to Lucy for her contributions to this important community facility.
Returning to 650 Parliament
Tenants are now moving back to 650 Parliament after a fire forced them out in August 2018. They’ve been living in scattered and temporary homes during the last year and a half. Their apartments have been repaired and upgraded to fix the flaws that contributed to the blaze.
The moving schedules focus on two floors at a time, starting at the top and will continue to mid-May. Some repairs are ongoing on the lower levels but all safety issues have been settled and the building has passed inspections.
Cabbagetown South police survey
Cabbagetown South Residents have forwarded a survey for 51 Division. It asks about our concerns over various types of crime and about our reactions to the reporting procedures. It should only take a couple of minutes to complete. Click here.
The Association also reminds us about the importance of reporting a crime - your experiences add to the police knowledge and become part of the patterns used to target police presence in your neighbourhood. For emergencies, call 911. To report non-emergencies, call (416) 808-2222.
Hmmm…
And where is this?
Cabbagetown Regent Park Museum Historical Tidbit
Don River Straightening: original meanders & new channel, 1886 CTA 725-12
by Sally Gibson
For millennia, what is now known as the Don River meandered toward Lake Ontario. By the mid-1880s after industry and other development had grown along its shores, the once clean and free-flowing waterway was polluted and barely navigable at its lower reaches. Frequent flooding also captured the attention of politicians, business people and residents alike.
The solution approved in 1886 was to straighten, widen and deepen the river between the lake and the Winchester Bridge. And so great dredges, pile-drivers, mountains of cedar piles, and scads of labourers descended on the area.
Meanwhile small naked boys dodged workers and treated the construction site as a great play area: diving off scows and piles … and generally “laughing, shouting, swimming and sputtering.” Danger be damned.
Cost over-runs and time delays, however, meant that the original plan was never completed. If you stand on the pedestrian bridge over the Don, you can still see the impact of the plan. To the north, beyond the Winchester Street boundary, the river meanders gracefully. To the south, toward the Gerrard Street bridge in the distance, the river is straight, although heavily silted.
For more Cabbagetown history, photos and videos visit the CRPM Facebook page.
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.
Growing up green in the garden
Offered 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).
Sugar Shack at Sugar Beach
Photo: blogTO
Saturday March 14 and Sunday March 15, Sugar Beach (11 Dockside at the corner of Jarvis and Queen’s Quay). It’s time to celebrate the first hint of Spring with all things maple. There’ll be entertainment with the Great Canadian Fiddle Show, the Lumberjack show and the Mark LaForme Band. Scoop up some comfort food - maple beavertails, maple chicken tacos, maple szechuan fried chicken, maple donuts, maple poutine and lots more. There’ll be two sugar shacks, maple syrup demos, games and hot chocolate.
Outdoor skating rinks
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. Still open.
Riverdale Park East (550 Broadview). Just across the Don Valley. CLOSED.
Sherbourne Common (5 Lower Sherbourne). A great spot for lakefront and downtown Toronto views. Still open.
MARCH BREAK
Allan Gardens
Schedule some tropical together time in the lush greenhouses at Allan Gardens (Children’s Conservatory, 19 Horticultural Ave, Jarvis and Carlton)
Friends of Allan Gardens present a Family Drop-In from 1 to 2:30 pm on Tuesday, March 17. Kids activities include planting veggie seeds to take home, learning about vermi-composting and going on a scavenger hunt in the conservatory. Plant sales (cash only) and hot apple cider. Parental supervision is required - please note that this is not a drop-off program.
Children’s Book Bank
Each day through the week includes activities for your kids. From Monday to Saturday, story time happens at 11:30 am and 1:30 pm. In the afternoons from 2 pm on Monday through Thursday, special events happen including dance with Laura, counting with Money Bunnies, a scavenger hunt and songs and stories with Daphne. Children’s Book Bank (350 Berkeley).
Buds & Blossoms
Campers at March Break 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.
Parliament Street Library
March Break events happen every day at the Library (260 Gerrard E). On Monday March 16, it’s BenTastic Magic Show at 10:30 am for ages 6 to 12. On Tuesday, the Robotics Club at 3:30 pm for ages 6 to 12. On Wednesday, the Aqua Music Powwow dance workshop at 1:30 pm for all ages. On Thursday the Lego Club at 3:30 pm for ages 6 to 12. On Friday, Shrinky Dinks at 1:30 pm for ages 8 to 12 and on Saturday Hands-on Exotics Furry Friends at 2 pm for ages 6 to 12.
Riverdale Farm
Meet a farmer, enjoy crafts, board games and the preschooler playroom. There’ll be goats, horses and sheep on display. Have a hot chocolate. Open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. Next to Riverdale Park (Sumach and Winchester).
BUSINESS NEWS
Protect your dog
Toronto’s ravines and parks are home to Deer and Blacklegged ticks. These species are expanding - the Don Valley has been identified as one of their home areas. They carry Canine Lyme disease. The staff at Cabbagetown Pet Clinic (239 Gerrard E) has prepared an online essay on the disease, its impact and its prevention. Click here to read it.
Parliament Street Fitness
Throughout March, PSF (488 Parliament) is offering specials on registered massage therapy. Receive 60 minutes for $80 (regularly $90) and 90 minutes for $120 (regularly $135). Paul Neira is a registered massage therapist. He’s available on Mondays from 5 to 9 pm, on Wednesdays and Fridays from noon to 9 pm and on Saturdays from 1 to 5 pm. Find out more about him and about the other team members online here.
Marilyn is back
Mailyn Wilputte will be offering her nail clinic for your pets at Pet Valu (240 Carlton) on Saturday March 7, 9 am to 4 pm. $10. Bring your pals for a nifty treatment. And check out her Facebook page for fun photos.
Floor model clearance
Save 40 to 60% on select floor model sofas, loveseats, armchairs, swivel chairs and recliners at Kendall & Co (514 Parliament). Made in Canada with durable upholstery fabrics. Each uniquely one of a kind. Take advantage of these fantastic savings as Kendall makes room for the new furniture that’s arriving soon.
Shop online now for details.
Shop in the store Tuesday to Friday from 10 am to 6 pm, Saturday 11 am to 6 pm and Sunday noon to 5 pm.
IN THE MEDIA
650 Parliament
Photo: Mark Trainor, CBC
The announcement that tenants are finally returning to their homes at 650 Parliament has generated several stories.
The CBC did a news story on Monday March 2.
The Toronto Star’s Gilbert Ngabo wrote about it - he's followed events since the fire.
Introducing Andrew Tay
Photo by Francois Lalumiere
Toronto Dance Theatre (80 Winchester) has announced the appointment of Montrealer Andrew Tay as its new artistic director. TDT's announcement is online here.
He replaces Christopher House who retired from the post after a 26-year career. Kathleen Smith has written about Mr Tay in NOW Magazine - click here to read her story.
Sidewalk Labs
Issues surrounding the proposed Quayside project on the waterfront have resurfaced in the Toronto media.
Photo: Richard Lautens, Toronto Star
“Raincoats” were a major feature in the original plans for the sidewalks in Quayside. They were designed to provide protection from wind, rain, snow and sun. In the final technical evaluations, they were rejected by the City’s expert advisors. The Toronto Star’s Donovan Vincent explains the plans and the reasons for their rejection.
Alex Bozikovic, the Globe and Mail’s architecture critic, has written a column noting that a lot of specific questions and answers have been discussed but there’s still no overall sense of direction about the final plans.
RESTAURANT NEWS
St Patrick’s Day cake
Anastasia at Staij & Co is taking orders now for an irresistible St Patrick’s Day cake. One bite and you’ll be Irish forever! It’s a Guinness chocolate cake with Bailey’s ganache covered by Bailey’s buttercream. 6” size (8 to 10 servings) is $45 and 8” size (12 to 15 servings) is $55. Email your order to info@staijandco.com or - better yet - drop in to the store at 552 Parliament.
Spaccio is open
Photo: Natalia Manzocco, NOW Magazine
This is a big space - 16,000 square feet. It’s devoted to a kitchen area where meals and food products are made for all the restaurants in the Terroni group plus a casual cafe across the front. A store offers a full range of pastas, meal items and desserts. NOW Magazine’s Natalia Manzocco did a lengthy introduction - click here to read it. 22 Sackville at King E.
Start your St Patrick’s Day planning
Our pubs always hold great parties to honour St Patrick’s Day.
Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton). There’ll be live Celtic music, Irish dancers and lots of beer.
Dominion (500 Queen E). The celebration goes on daily until March 17. Enjoy a special features menu every day to March 16. On the weekends, March 7 and 8 and March 14 and 15, there’ll be special brunch menus. On St Patrick’s Day, drink $5 Guinness and listen to live music.
PearTree’s March menu
Specials this month include a two-course dinner for $25 - soup or salad and a main course. The three-course dinner is $30 - soup or salad, main course and dessert. Add a beer or glass of wine for only $5. Your choices will feature steak, chicken and fish. 507 Parliament.
Cyril’s soups and juices
Cyril’s soup for Saturday is Oriental chickpea for $9 or Oriental chickpea with shrimp at $12. His juice is orange and mandarin with orange blossom water, $9. For next Tuesday, he’s making Mexican vegetable stew at $9 and Mexican stew with chicken at $12.
On Saturday March 14, it’s meatless Mulligatawny for $9 and meaty Mulligatawny for $12. His juice will be apple tamarind ginger for $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
MARCH THEATRE & DANCE PRODUCTIONS
Listed by starting dates.
New Ideas Festival 2020
Alumnae Theatre (70 Berkeley)
March 11 to March 29
14 new short plays over three weeks
Week one - March 11 to 15
- Just in Love
- Remember Him Chasing Squirrels
- Speed Dating Night at the Bull & Bell
- The Curious Case of Jockstrap Malone
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 MARCH 5 TO SUNDAY MARCH 15
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 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
MONDAY MARCH 9
Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
TUESDAY MARCH 10
Dominion
7 pm, PubStumpers Trivia
Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
WEDNESDAY MARCH 11
Alice’s Place
9:30 pm, Karaoke
The Tilted Dog
7:30 pm, Smart Ass Trivia with Porter
THURSDAY MARCH 12
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
Tilted Dog
8:30 pm, open mic with Stomp Down Rider
FRIDAY MARCH 13
Alice’s Place
9:30 pm, Karaoke
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
SATURDAY MARCH 14
Dominion
8 pm, The Good You’s
SUNDAY MARCH 15
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
