May 14

This week’s image: Snow on Saturday May 9.  It wasn’t exactly a blizzard and it didn’t harm the Spring flowers.  But in the middle of COVID-19 boredom, it was a nifty conversation piece.

CABBAGETOWN
NEIGHBOURHOOD 
REVIEW



FEATURED LOCAL ARTISTS

Every week, a new image in the right hand column highlights the work of a local artist.  
Throughout May, St James Town artist Michael Cavanaugh will been featured.  He’s worked on both new murals in Cabbagetown, he’s been the program director of the successful Bell Box project and he works, as well, with Community Matters Toronto. 

A PERSONAL VIEW

So - here’s a question that keeps rattling around in my mind. How exactly does a landlord benefit by kicking out a commercial tenant in the middle of the COVID-19 lockdown? 

It’s hard to imagine why a landlord would want to do this.  Even though a current tenant may have trouble making rent payments and may even be a difficult person to deal with, an empty store won’t pay any rent at all. 

Two other facts poke their heads up.  First, it’s hard enough in normal times to lease storefronts and right now, it’s unlikely that anyone reliable is looking for rental space. The store may sit empty for quite a while.  Second, after the COVID-19 situation eases, there’ll be a surplus of empty stores across the city, putting downward pressure on future rent levels.

Furthermore, the new federal rent subsidy program pays the landlord 75% of the rent.  Media reports indicate that a lot of landlords are unwilling to join that program.  That’s another mystery.  

Unlike residential leases, commercial leases can be merciless.  Landlords can decide on short notice to evict a tenant.  Today, however, this simply isn’t logical. Instead, this is a time to share burdens, to find ways to get government assistance and to negotiate. 

If you want to take a stand on this issue, contact Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam.  She’s organizing a drive to protect small business against evictions during the crisis.  Here’s her address for her eBlast message.  

COVID-19 NEWS

COVID-19 contact info
Toronto has a useful website with the latest information, resources and facts.  
Contact Public Health at the City of Toronto by telephone (416-338-7600) and email.  
Telehealth Ontario (1-866-797-0000).

Who’s open and who’s closed
The Province of Ontario is changing the rules.  Our retailers now have open access to curbside pickups.  Hardware stores and garden centres can open completely for customers browsing inside their shops.  

How to wash your hands
This is a very informative video about handwashing from Mark at St Jamestown Steak & Chops (516 Parliament)  Don’t miss it. 

Cleo’s delivery service
Cleo Pettigrew Brown’s delivery service helps seniors and disabled people who are stuck in their homes during the COVID-19 shutdown.  She’ll pickup groceries and pharmacy items and deliver them at no charge. She’ll leave the delivery on the doorstep and collect payment from the mailbox.  For details, email her.

COVID-19 pandemic notes

 Face masks. Peter has written to ask that No Frills (Parliament and Spruce) and other busy stores require that customers wear masks.  He reminds us that masks help to fight the spread of the virus.

 Street closures.  The ActiveTO program is being rolled out now to create better pedestrian walkways and bike routes.  Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam informed the Cabbagetown Residents Association that several streets here are on the list - Sumach from King to Wellesley and Howard from Parliament to Sherbourne.  Mill Street from Parliament east to Bayview near the Distillery is also included.  

LOCAL NEWS

 Cabbagetown Festival - September 12 & 13
There’s no information available yet about plans for the art and crafts show in Riverdale Park.  People who want to sell their art and crafts can still get more information and application forms at the show’s website.  The deadline for applications is May 31.  

 The BIA’s Festival committee is still working.  They’ve set a mid-June deadline for a decision to hold the event.  
Anyone who wants to be a vendor or an entertainer on Parliament Street can submit an application through the Festival website.  

Cabbagetown Residents Association
The Association’s newsletter is now up-to-date and very informative.  Get news about Cabbagetown and relevant info from the City of Toronto.  Click here to see it.  

The Cabbagetown BIA
The BIA is looking for a new executive director.  They want someone to manage the office and handle the BIA’s business affairs, prepare materials for Board meetings, promote local businesses, supervise social media campaigns and work on the BIA’s Festival and smaller events. During the COVID crisis, the hours are shorter. The job will become full time once the lock downs are over.
The deadline for applications is May 25.  If you’re interested, contact the BIA to get the full job description or send in your resume and a covering letter. 

Cabbagetown real estate report
So far, only two Parliament Street locations have come on the rental market during the COVID-19 lock down. Other stores are also available but they came on the market before these problems started - these availabilities are normal in the Cabbagetown market. 
Daniel Bloch from Harvey Kalles Real Estate notes that residential sales activity has slowed down but prices are holding.  In April, five properties in Don Vale were sold - none above the asking price, after 10 to 22 days on the market.

Ontario Parkette fire
Photo:  Don Purvis
For the second time, the Ontario Street Parkette has been vandalized.  An arsonist destroyed the playground equipment on Sunday May 10 - a man on a bike was seen fleeing the parkette. It happened previously in 2017 and the Parks Department had to replace all the equipment.  Police and the fire department are investigating.

The Necropolis is open
The gates to the Necropolis are open again on Monday to Saturday from 5:30 to 8 pm and Sundays from 3:30 to 8 pm. On-site services are limited to events surrounding a person’s death.  Access to the buildings is limited to essential services only.  

Congrats to the Children’s Book Bank
Wow, the Book Bank (350 Berkeley) is really busy.  On special days, they’re offering curbside pickup.  At Wednesday’s event, they distributed over 3,300 books. People were, lined up along Berkeley to take part.  They gave out age appropriate, safely packaged books for the kids. 
The next two events happen on Wednesday May 20 and Wednesday May 27 from noon to 3 pm. 
Check out its Facebook page - it’s full of activities that your kids will enjoy. Click here to look it over.  

Donate to the Children’s Book Bank
The next big day for donations to the Book Bank (350 Berkeley) happens on Thursday May 28 from 1 to 5 pm.  The drop-offs take place in the driveway.  A tent will be set up there so you can make your donations even if it rains.  Your donations are then stored in the basement for a few days to keep them safely in quarantine.  

FRONT LINE 2020
Local residents are purchasing FRONT LINE 2020 bags to give to store staff along Parliament from Wellesley to Gerrard.  It’s our way to thank people who work everyday with the general public and who’re in considerable risk from coronavirus.  Check out the details and the opportunity to be a part of this thoughtful effort.   

Birders’ delight
Photo:  Susan Freeborn
Susan spotted this rose breasted grosbeak in her Alpha Street backyard. Spring may be slower this year but birds have been busy in Cabbagetown.  Cardinals have formed their pairs - the brilliant red male is now bringing seeds for his lady to enjoy.  Goldfinch are in gorgeous yellow plumage.  Blue Jays are busy everywhere.  White crowned, white breasted and chipping sparrows are flying through on their way north.  A screech owl has been heard near Sumach and Amelia.

Louise spotted a Cooper’s Hawk in her backyard and caught a photo of it apparently having its dinner.  

Bollard removals
Anita posted on Facebook about the removal of the bollards along the walkway between Ontario and Seaton.  They’ve been there since the time when John Sewell was the mayor. They stop car traffic along this very narrow passageway.  Apparently no one in the neighbourhood was informed that they were going to be taken out.
Councillor Wong-Tam’s office replied.  The lack of information was indeed a mistake.  The removals happen so that they can be replaced by a more modern version.  Toronto Hydro needs access in order to service the lighting along the lane and new bollards can be unlocked and taken down for service vehicles.  

Cabbagetown Farmers Market
The Market organizers are looking for a space where pick-up orders can be handled.  The permit From the Parks Department for the Market in Riverdale Park West has been cancelled and the organizers want to try an online format instead.  If you know a suitable pick-up spot, please contact them.   

Your favourite Spring garden
Take a picture of a garden that really appeals to you.  Email it to the Cabbagetown South Association. One of the submissions will be picked (at random) and the gardener will receive a $20 gift certificate to Staij & Co (552 Parliament)
The deadline is Monday June 1.  Be sure to include the address so the prize can be delivered.   

Cabbagetown Regent Park Museum Historical Tidbit
1890s Firecracker, Lotus Fireworks Museum
by Sally Gibson   
Victoria Day used to fall on the Queen’s Birthday, May 24 and in the old days was celebrated then. In the 1890s, May 24 was one of the top three holidays of the year for small boys, only matched by Christmas (with its presents) and birthdays (with its presents).
The 24th represented the first day of summer when the youngsters ripped off their long pants and scratchy woollen underwear (which they wore only in winter), donned short pants, rubber-soled shoes and no underwear. Freedom! On the big day, “there would sure to be firecrackers and more especially the stone crackers which we preferred, because in addition to causing a disconcerting noise they were a sort of missile, and with a handful of them we could make a man jump,” recalled journalist John Verner McAree, who had grown up in the Cabbagetown Store on Parliament near St. David street. 
Firecrackers, no doubt, will still mark Victoria Day, at least in front or back yards for those in self isolation because of COVID-19.

COMING EVENTS

Streetscapes in Bloom
Nominations for the annual award continue until June 15.  The Cabbagetown Preservation Association holds this contest to highlight the neighbourhood’s great gardeners. 
The judges will visit the candidates four times throughout the Summer and early Fall.  The winner is announced at a presentation at the CPA’s Fall meeting.  The winner receives a medallion from Kitros Glass and a watercolour painting by Rosie Shepherd.
To learn more and to submit a nomination, go to the CPA’s website. 

Keep your body tuned-up
Parliament Street Fitness (488 Parliament) has a YouTube channel. It’s posting videos by its staff that will maintain your fitness programs - yoga, pilates and HIIT.  The instructors are doing their workouts from their homes.   Check them out regularly on the PSF Facebook page and start your own at-home stretches and poses.  

Alan Gensho Florence yoga classes
Alan is using Zoom to teach his yoga classes every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday from 10 to 11:15 am.  The ‘doors’ open at 10 minutes before the class. 
Meditation - Meditating together, starting with a short introduction, three 15 minute periods, Q/A at start and end.  Sunday May 17, 11:30 am - following the yoga class (after a 15 minute break)
 Lotus Hips Yoga - Yoga class is 1:15 long, emphasis on core work, twisting, joint strength and flexibility.  Thursday May 14, 10 am, Sunday  May 17, 10 am and Tuesday May 19, 10 am. 
If you have a yoga block or a small pillow bring it to class. A non-slippery yoga mat can be useful. Part of the class is standing and the rest is sitting on the ground.
Join these Zoom events with this link. Meeting ID: 416 680 3936.  Password: SpringYoga.

IN THE MEDIA

Alternatives to the Sidewalk Lab project
Photo:  Toronto Star
The Toronto Star’s Matt Elliott has written about the impact of Sidewalk Labs’ departure from the waterfront.  He’s very optimistic about both the Quayside project (where Sidewalk Labs was focused) and the new Port Lands.  Click here to read his comments. 

Playground fire
Melanie Patton from Global News has reported on the fire that happened in the Ontario Street Parkette on Sunday.  Click here for her story.  

The 30-Year Cowpoke
Stephen Fearing discussed his guitar and its creation with master luthier Linda Manzer on Sunday May 3 on a YouTube video with host Tom Allen. Thanks to Brenda Brown McNee for bringing this video to our attention.  Click here to watch it.  

KIDS STUFF

Veg2Grow
Veg2Grow is a project by Building Roots that shows kids how to become urban farmers.  It provides a Garden Kit that kids use to start their own gardens.  Donations are needed to continue this work - $5 supports a fresh fruit and vegetable basket and $15 supports a Garden Kit.
So far, Building Roots has provided over 200 kits for families in Regent Park, Moss Park, Cabbagetown, Corktown and Leslieville. Each kit contains a 10" x 20" plastic tray and a 7" clear plastic dome, three flats of six pots from Cowpots, five litres of soil for seedlings in a recyclable bag from Bag to Earth, assorted vegetable seeds and popsicle sticks to label the plants. For more info about the project and donations, click here.  

Videos from Friends of Allan Gardens
The Friends will post a weekly video for family viewing - Growing Up Green at Home.  This week’s video is called “For the love of Forsythia.”  Click here to watch it and to get more info on future videos in this series.   

BUSINESS NEWS

Who’s open and closed
St Jamestown Steak & Chops (514 Parliament) is again open for walk-in customers.  The pre-order and pickup service is also continuing.  Ontario asparagus is now on sale - Spring is here.

 Royal Home Hardware (485 Parliament) is now open for in-store shopping from Monday to Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm.  The garden centres in our corner stores have stocked up with their usual Spring offerings.

 Annie Sloan Paint Store (527 Parliament) has closed.  The landlord has posted a notice that the closure is due to delinquent rent payments.

Online sale and free curbside delivery
Shop online with Kendall & Co (514 Parliament). See some creative items to entertain the family, a little self care to lift the spirits, gift cards for the heroes in our lives. Find special deals on their website with select rugs at up to 25% off and  select floor model furniture at up to 60% off.  
Choose “Pick Up” at check-out for free curbside delivery within Cabbagetown on most items. 
You can also email Kendall and Kevin to assist with your decorating and furnishings. Take advantage of the time to put a little focus on your home where it is keeping you and your loved ones safe and sound. 
Kendall has called Cabbagetown its home for over 20 years and this business has given to our community in so many ways. The shop window of Kendall & Co continues to shine bright and colourful as their symbolic gesture that there will always be beauty in our world. 
Let’s return the love now by shopping local with KENDALL & Co. shop@kendallandco.ca 

The rush is happening
Cycle Solutions (444 Parliament) is now handling the Spring rush for bike tuneups.  Make an appointment - it’s the best way to get your bike in their shop.  The store is open from 9 am to 7 pm Monday to Friday, 10 am to 6 pm on Saturday and noon to 5 pm on Sunday.  (416) 972-6948. 

RESTAURANT NEWS

Shalom is back
Shalom (587 Parliament) is open for business from Tuesday to Sunday, 11 am to 9 pm.    Enjoy great Ethiopian food - pickups and delivery by Uber.  To order, call (416) 964-7271.  Check out the menu online here.   

PearTree takeout specials  
This week, PearTree (507 Parliament) has three specials for takeout - Grilled tenderloin of beef steak with classic mushroom peppercorn red wine sauce at 21.99, Cajun Creole red snapper at 14.99 and Sunday dinner, prime rib roast at 17.99.  The full menu is also available for pickup and delivery.  Call  (416) 962-8190.  Pickup orders available from 12:30 to 10 pm.  Delivery orders through Uber Eats, Skip the Dishes, DoorDash and Foodora.  For menu details, go to the website.   

Nifty windows at the House on Parliament
Not just great food - a great storefront window as well.  The HoP (454 Parliament) has just added these beautifully decorated windows by Alanna Cavanaugh - congrats and thanks.  Check out its Facebook page for its daily menus and for pre-orders, call  (416) 925-4074.  The pick-up window opens at 4 pm Tuesday to Saturday. Local deliveries $5.

Spaccio takeout and delivery
Photo:  Natalia Manzocco, NOW Magazine
NOW Magazine notes “Would your pantry pastas be significantly improved with the addition of handmade tagliatelle, a can of San Marzanos or a hearty scoop of spicy peperoncini? Terroni's massive new commissary space, which opened just weeks before the pandemic hit, has begun offering its prepared foods and pantry items for pickup and delivery – first on DoorDash, then on UberEats as of this week. Other picks: DIY pizza kits, bake-at-home croissants, homemade charcuterie, and a whole lot of wine.”  Spaccio (22 Sackville).

Daniel et Daniel  
The Food Shop is back (248 Carlton) .  And it’s online.  You can order from the website and it’ll be delivered right to your doorstep. And you can do a pickup as well.
Order before noon for delivery the next day.  Deliveries happen from noon to 4 pm and they’re available for all orders over $50.  
There’s a big menu - all done with Daniel et Daniel’s regular care and elegance.  Click here to see it.  

Updates from Cranberries
Siva at Cranberries (601 Parliament) has added roast pork with mashed potatoes and veggies as a $15 special on Thursday evenings. Check out his Family Meals on the weekends - roast chicken and beef stew.  Pickup daily from noon to 9 pm.  Call (416) 925-6330 and check out Cranberries’ website for details.  

Stout Irish Pub now open 7 days a week
Stout (221 Carlton) is open for pick-up orders for food and beer.  Erin and Paul have an extensive menu available - check it out online and call  (647) 344-7676. Open on Monday, to Thursday from 4 to 8 pm and Friday, Saturday and Sunday from noon to 8 pm.    

Meal kits from The Irv
Kits are available for pickups and delivery on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  Try the Irv burger - ground beef patties, brioche buns and homemade ketchup and mustard.  Pre-orders only - email to regan@theirvpub.ca.  The Irv (195 Carlton)

Cyril’s soups and juices
Cyril is taking a break for the long weekend.  No soup on Saturday!
He usually makes two soups every week - on Tuesday and Saturday. He informs people about his menus in advance by email. He usually prepares a regular version and vegan one. Email him to get all the details about each day’s menus as well. 

MAY THEATRE & DANCE PRODUCTIONS
Listed by starting dates.

Our theatres are now closed following directives from the City’s Public Health staff - Aki Studio, Alumni Theatre, Canadian Contemporary Dance Theatre, Canadian Stage, Citadel, School of Toronto Dance Theatre, Soulpepper, Toronto Dance Theatre. 

CLUBS & PUBS – DAILY LISTINGS

THURSDAY MAY 14 TO SUNDAY MAY 24

Our restaurants and pubs are now offering only takeout and delivery services.  Entertainment and special events have been cancelled until the COVID-19 shutdowns are over.

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