July 30

This week’s image:  Congrats to the residents along Calgie and Drovers Lanes.  The City of Toronto repaired the lane and the residents are now landscaping it.  Photo:  Louis-Philippe Rochon, Friends of Cabbagetown South



CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD 

REVIEW



FEATURED LOCAL ARTISTS


July’s featured artist is David Brandy, an award-winning contemporary fine art photographer.  He lives in Cabbagetown near Riverdale Park West. David comments about his photograph, “Prii” –  the story behind this shot is one of my favourites. I was on my way to buy a used wide angle lens. As serendipity would have it, I did a double-take as I drove past this Uno Prii-designed apartment building at 100 Spadina Road. It’s a fantastic example of expressionist flare that Prii brought to concrete architecture in Toronto. After picking up my new lens I drove straight back just in time to capture the magic light of dusk on the west-facing side of the building.” 

Because his photos are intricate pieces, they don’t show well in the right hand column and they’re better displayed here.  

You can see this photo and several others on his website.  


A PERSONAL VIEW


The WE saga continues to unfold in Ottawa.  In Cabbagetown, it’s a different question.  How did the City of Toronto decide to turn 233 Carlton into a respite centre?  Why was this building chosen?  What choices were rejected?  


Many of us think that the location is wrong and that the process to justify this choice has hidden more than it reveals.


Both Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam and Mayor John Tory deny personal involvement in the decision.  They point to the ”delegated authority” that City Council gave City bureaucrats to negotiate and settle a lease without approval from any politicians.


Councillor Wong-Tam is, at least, trying to cut through some of the fog.  She successfully put a motion to Council this week asking three questions - how did this building first come to the attention of City staff, who from the WE-organizations dealt with the City about the lease and are the financial terms set at a fair market price.


We already know some answers.  The building is owned by a numbered corporation administered by Fred and Theresa Kielburger. 


Jaren Kerr wrote in Canadaland that a consultant who works with the Kielburger brothers, Brenda Ha, first contacted the City’s real estate staff about using the building.  Was this her initiative or did she have some knowledge that the City needed a site for the respite centre?  Marc Kielburger dealt with City staff directly about the programming planned for the building and about the renovations, specifically the installation of an elevator. 


What did the City get?  It’s a 12,700 square foot building over four floors and a basement.  Total cost is $26 per square foot - $3,715,000 over the first ten years and an extra $2,231,000 for the next five years plus $3,700,000 for renovations.  According to a quick, informal estimate from Bill Renieris at the Cabbagetown BIA, that’s not excessive in Cabbagetown. Matt Wood at Royal LePage (517 Parliament) confirms that this is a mid-level commercial rent in Cabbagetown.


LOCAL NEWS


Thanks to Donald Henry Reid

Photo:  Obituary from legacy.com 
Mr Reid, 83, bequeathed $200,000 to the City of Toronto to be used for improvements to the animal quarters at Riverdale Farm.  A notice from the City says that he loved Toronto’s parks and the Farm and also believed in improving the lives of at-risk youth.  His gift surprised Farm officials. He worked and then retired from his job as a set decorator at the CBC.  He died in May 2019 from complications from a cycling accident.  


Drovers Lane

Photo:  Louis-Philippe Rochon, Friends of Cabbagetown South
Local residents have worked with the City of Toronto to create beautiful new spaces along Calgie and Drovers Lanes.  Congrats to everyone for this effort and for the vision to pull it together.


Regent Park revitalization

The site at Parliament and Gerrard was demolished in the Winter, 2019.  It’s officially designated as Phase 3, Block 1 - it's the block in the upper left corner of the map.  The Daniels Corporation is the developer on this site.
City Council approved the sale of this land to The Daniels Corporation.  TCHC will use the proceeds from the sale to build replacement social housing.

There are five phases in the revitalization plan.  Phases One and Two are finished.  

Phase Three contains several “blocks” bordered by River Street, Shuter, Sumach and Oak plus Block One at Gerrard and Parliament.  The River Street area is now under construction by Daniels. 

Phases Four and Five border Gerrard from River Street west to Dreamer’s Way and south to Oak.  TCHC is currently looking for a development company to handle Four and Five.  Three developers have been selected to compete for the work - Capital Developments, Tridel and Daniels.  


The market block at Parliament and Gerrard

Image:  TCHC Design Review Panel - corner of Oak and Parliament looking north to Gerrard.
This block - part of Phase 3 - is being developed by The Daniels Corporation.  It’ll contain condos and commercial spaces.  In the winter, 119 social housing units were demolished and replacement units will be moved to the east to Phases 4 and 5.  

The north building will house 296 units in a ten-storey mid-rise building. The south tower will have 346 units in a 25-storey tower and a 6-storey east wing.  A new street called Dreamer’s Way will run from Gerrard south to Oak.  Townhouses will complete the Block along Dreamer’s Way and Oak.  


Stage Three openings

Restaurants, pubs, gyms, theatres and outdoor playgrounds are all open.  Personal care involving facial treatments is permitted.  Customers may be required to wear masks and leave contact info. Physical distancing and barriers are required for many activities including karaoke, singing and instrumental music from wind and brass instruments.  The retailers and food services also must have a regular cleaning system. 

blogTO has a complete list here.

New bridges in the Port Lands

As the new island is built at the mouth of the Don River, four new bridges will be constructed as well.  Three will be used on Cherry Street and the fourth on Commissioners Street over the new river route.  
Check out the designs and the construction updates here. 

LOCAL ATTRACTIONS

Farmers Markets

The Cabbagetown Market (Riverdale Park, Winchester and Sumach) continues every Tuesday from 3 to 7 pm until October.  The Underpass Park Farmers Market (29 Lower River Street) operates every Thursday afternoon from 4 to 7:30 pm.


Riverdale Farm

Open daily from 9 am to 5 pm, free admission.  There’s a one-way walking flow from the Riverdale Park entrance through to Winchester. (Winchester Street, east of Sumach in Riverdale Park)


Allan Gardens Conservatory

Open from noon to 4 pm, free admission.  There are one-way walking guides, lots of space for physical distancing and hand sanitizers.  Wear your mask.  (Carlton and Jarvis)


Wading pools and splash pads

Open in parks across the neighbourhood.  There’s a wading pool in Riverdale Park West and splash pads in Wellesley Park, Regent Park , Winchester Park and Sackville playground are all open, 9 am to 8:30 pm daily.  


Pam McConnell Aquatic Centre 

Indoor swimming open from 7 am to 7 pm, Monday to Friday and noon to 4 pm, weekends.  (640 Dundas E)

Parliament Street Library

The drop box service for returns is open 24/7.  You can schedule a time to pick up book selections.  Computer services are available, from 9 am to 8:30 pm, Monday to Friday and 9 am to 5 pm, Saturdays.  Closed Sundays.  (269 Gerrard E)


Community Centres

Regent Park Community Centre (402 Shuter), St Lawrence Community Recreation Centre (230 Esplanade) and Wellesley Community Centre (490 Sherbourne) - open from 7 am to 7 pm from Monday to Friday and noon to 4 pm on weekends. 


Taste of Regent Park

Once again offering a free take-away meal once a week.  Wednesdays from 6 to 7 pm.   (269 Gerrard E) 


COMING EVENTS

Marilyn at Pet Valu

Marilyn from Diggity Dog Grooming returns to Pet Valu (240 Carlton) on Saturday from 9 am to 4 pm for her monthly nail clinic - bring your pals for a quick clip.  She’s developing a reservation system - call her at (416) 920-6814.  Please enter the store at the back door from the Green P parking lot and please wear a mask. $10, cash only.  


Corktown August meeting

The Corktown Residents and Business Association will host a Zoom meeting on Tuesday August 4 from 7 to 8:30 pm.  Adam Vaughan, MP for Spadina Fort-York will be a speaker along with Ian Macleod from ONE Properties. 
Register here. 

CityView Drive-in

CityView Drive-In (20 Polson) is a new venue for concerts and movies.  Next week, there’s a free drive-in movie on Wednesday August 5 - Be Water (gates open at 7 and movie at 8:45 pm). On Thursday August 6,  the concert is A Tribe Called Red (gates at 7 and concert at 9 pm).  More concerts happen later in August.  
Check out the program online here.

IN THE MEDIA


Regent Park Phase 3, Block One

Urban Toronto has an illustrated article about Phase 3, Block One (Gerrard and Parliament).  Click here.


Kielburger real estate

Articles continue to come about the Kielburger’s interests and the WE organizations.  Jaren Kerr wrote a blog story about the complex Kielburger holdings and the choice of 233 Carlton.  His items were noted in the House of Commons’ Finance Committee hearings and provoked an eye-roll from Craig Kielburger.

Read the story here.  


BUSINESS NEWS


St Jamestown Steak & Chops

Mark is closing his shop (516 Parliament) next week for his summer vacation from Monday August 3 to Saturday August 8.  Reopening on Monday August 10.


Fresh produce at Cabbagetown Organics

Peter reports that fresh fruit and veggies are arriving four days each week.  Montreal bagels are fresh daily.  His samosas and rotisserie chicken are favourites and always available.  And you can get your own Personal Protection Equipment here. 499 Parliament.


RESTAURANT NEWS


Stout’s street patio

Erin has opened her patio at Stout (221 Carlton) - check out her amazing selection of beers and her yummy Sunday brunch.

This week at Peartree

This week’s specials at Peartree (507 Parliament) include black angus steak with mushrooms and onions at $25.99,  lemon dill rainbow trout at $18.99 and oven roasted pork ribs at $18.99.  Wash down your dinner with Jacob’s Creek Chardonnay or Shiraz for $5.50/glass or with Waterloo Dark, Mill Street Organic, Steamwhistle pilsner and Alexander Keith IPA at $5/pint. Free delivery on orders over $30 - call  (416) 962-8190.  

Brunch at the HoP

The House on Parliament (454 Parliament) has a great street patio!  Stop by for Sunday brunch from 11:30 am to 3 pm or reserve your Sunday prime rib dinner from 5 pm. Call (416) 925-4074.

The patio at The Irv

Every Sunday, there’s slow-cooked brisket with a serving of Mac ’n cheese and baked beans.  The patio is open daily from 11 am to 1 am.  195 Carlton.

Alice’s Place

Sit on the front porch and watch the whole world pass by.  Alice has a cozy back patio too and it’s open daily as well, 3 pm to 2 am.   554 Parliament.

Terroni sud Forno Produzione e Spaccio

Wow - these guys have pasta! Available every day for takeout from 22 Sackville.  Open Sunday to Tuesday from 9 am to 6 pm and Wednesday to Saturday from 9 am to 7 pm. 

Cyril’s soups and juices

For Saturday, Cyril is making a creamy vegetable stew with potatoes, carrots, zucchini, tomatoes and corn, plus ham for meat-lovers (vegan - $9 for 3 cups, $12 for 4 cups and with ham -$12 and $16).  His juice will combine peach, orange and mango. ($9 for 2 cups).  
New stuff -

He plans to skip Tuesdays for the summer and make one soup each week for Saturday. 

He will publish an August soup list by email and not a weekly reminder.  


CONTACT INFO


A comprehensive listing of our local food services is now available in our new Cabbagetown Directory.

The list includes bakeries, coffee shops, delis, restaurants and pubs.  Each entry gives the name, address, phone number and a link to a Facebook page or website.

Click here to find your favourite.


AUGUST 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 JULY 30 TO SUNDAY AUGUST 9


Our restaurants and pubs are opening partially with service available on outdoor and street patios as well as takeout and delivery services.  Entertainment and special events have been cancelled until the COVID-19 shutdowns are over.


July 23

This week’s image:  PearTree has set up its street patio - it’s part of the relaxing of COVID-19 restrictions on restaurants and pubs.



CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD 

REVIEW



FEATURED LOCAL ARTISTS

July’s featured artist is David Brandy, an award-winning contemporary fine art photographer.  He lives in Cabbagetown near Riverdale Park West. David comments about his photograph,


Winter Fog. “On Boxing Day morning,  I was driving to the Beaver Valley area. It was a weird weather day, light snow and fog at the same time. That strange combination made for the ideal vista for this shot. This picture perfect fence line in a snow covered field drew a direct line to a tree hidden in the fog. Photography is often about being in the right place at the right time."
Because his photos are intricate pieces, they don’t show well in the right hand column and they’re better displayed here.  You can see this photo and several others on his website, click here.

A PERSONAL VIEW


Recent events in Ottawa involving WE Charity have resurrected local concerns about the lease between the Kielburger family and the City of Toronto for the property at 233 Carlton.  This site is the City’s controversial selection for its future women’s respite centre.


In Ottawa, the scandal involving WE Charity is full of insider decisions and conflicts of interest.  The same thing may well be happening here.  The secrecy about the City’s real estate deals, the clumsy public relations manipulations from City Hall and the strange final choice - all of this raises lingering doubts about the selection of this site. 


Furthermore, 233 Carlton itself is an oddball choice.  It’s a commercial office building that has to be wrenched out of shape to fit a respite centre’s special needs.  Its selection is a serious disruption of Cabbagetown’s  small commercial district. 


There are other eligible sites in our community that would be as good or better than this one. But we don’t know whether they were even considered.  Discussions about alternatives have been shut right down.


Why did these extreme behaviours happen?  Who benefits and why did it happen this way?


LOCAL NEWS


CafeTO


Several Cabbagetown area restaurants are using street level front patios.  This is a special project with the City of Toronto.  It allows restaurants to set up curbside tables until mid-November using physical distancing guidelines (2 metres between tables), hand sanitizers, masks and guidelines for movement between tables.  
The BIA has also asked that portable planters be placed at the ends of the street barriers.  Cement barricades provide extra protection at the traffic end of each patio.  The patio at the HoP covers several storefronts and serves the HoP and Saigon Pai as well as a seating area to be placed inside the barriers.

So far, PearTree (507 Parliament), F’Amelia (12 Amelia), Kingyo (51B Winchester), House on Parliament (454 Parliament), Saigon Pai (446 Parliament), Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton) and Chew Chew (186 Carlton) have been approved. As times goes along, more restaurants might join the project. 


Cabbagetown Farmers Market


This week at the Market, about a dozen vendors showed up - a couple of bakeries, eggs, maple syrup, cheese from Prince Edward County, Murray’s and of course, good fresh produce.  Wineries have started to appear. This time, it was Frogpond Farm Winery from Niagara on the Lake.  They have a nice crisp pinot grigio.   
The Market will continue every Tuesday from 3 to 7 pm until October.  Winchester and Sumach.


Underpass Park Farmers Market


Corktown’s Underpass Park Market (29 Lower River Street) has opened. It operates every Thursday afternoon from 4 to 7:30 pm. A Cabbagetown favourite, Samsara Fields, Desbarres Chocolate and Brickworks Cider are among the vendors displaying their produce.

Riverdale Farm


Open daily from 9 am to 5 pm - free admission.  There’s a one-way walking flow from the Riverdale Park entrance through to the exit onto Winchester.  Winchester Street, east of Sumach in Riverdale Park.

Allan Gardens Conservatory


Daily visits from noon to 4 pm, free admission.  There are one-way walking guides, lots of space for physical distancing and hand sanitizers.  Wear your mask.  
To see what’s blooming, go to the Friends of Allan Gardens Facebook page. (Carlton and Jarvis)  


Wading pools and splash pads


The wading pool in Riverdale Park West and the splash pads in Wellesley Park, Regent Park, Winchester Park and Sackville playground are all open, 9 am to 8:30 pm daily.  

Swimming at Pam McConnell Aquatic Centre


The indoor facility at the Pam McConnell Aquatic Centre (640 Dundas E) reopened on Monday July 20.  Open from 7 am to 7 pm Monday to Friday and noon to 4 pm on weekends.

Parliament Street Library


The drop box is open for returns 24/7.  You can schedule a time to pick up book selections.  Computer services are available.  Open from 9 am to 8:30 pm, Monday to Friday and 9 am to 5 pm, Saturdays.  Closed Sundays. 269 Gerrard E.

Community Centres


The community centres have reopened.  Regent Park Community Centre (402 Shuter), the St Lawrence Community Recreation Centre (230 Esplanade) and the Wellesley Community Centre (490 Sherbourne) are all open from 7 am to 7 pm from Monday to Friday and noon to 4 pm on weekends. 

Taste of Regent Park


Taste of Regent Park and 40 Oak Street are once again offering a free take-away meal once a week.  Wednesdays from 6 to 7 pm.   

DriveInTo at CityView Drive-in


CityView Drive-In (20 Polson) is a new venue for concerts and movies.  It’s part of the City’s efforts to find reasonable ways for people to enjoy these events without exposure to COVID-19.  The drive-in is located near the Rebel nightclub just north of Cherry Beach.  NOW Magazine’s profile describes the program that’s being planned for the rest of the summer.   

Oops!


Rick has sent along a photo taken at Riverdale Farm that tells it all - as he says, “He can’t read but his mother can.”

Cabbagetown Regent Park Museum Historical Tidbit


By Sally Gibson
Image:  Railway tragedy Toronto Star July 13, 1937

After a carefree July day playing along the Don River, 7-year old Betty

Louise Walls and bosom-buddy Eileen Duggan, both of Gerrard Street

East, were heading home. Despite signs that warned of the railway

bridge at the foot of Winchester Street, the girls – like numberless Cabbagetown kids before them – paid no attention and started across the big, iron bridge. 

Before long and before evasive measures could be taken, a CNR Montreal flyer roared toward them. “The train rushed right at us,” the still-trembling Eileen told a Star reporter, “and bumped Betty on the back of the head and knocked her down and right in the water just as she was turning to run away.”  Betty drowned, although the crack on the head would have been fatal. As for Eileen, “I held on to an iron thing under the bridge and the train didn’t hit me.” 

The train stopped. “When Betty Louise was hit she gave an awful scream, and I was screaming, too. The man from the train ran over to me and he lifted me up on the bridge and carried me away.” 

A terrible additional burden for the Walls family whose father had already been unemployed for two years during the Great Depression.


IN THE MEDIA


Kielburger real estate


Vanmala Subramaniam has written an article in the National Post describing the real estate dealings of WE Charity, ME TO WE and the Kielburger family.  It’s a balanced view that covers both the concerns and the benefits surrounding these assets.  Click here to read it. 


Brian Lilley has written an article in the Toronto Sun looking at the complex real estate interests of the Kielburger family and WE Charity.  Most of it was previously centred in Cabbagetown.  Their current holdings are now focused on Queen and Parliament with additional condos in Regent Park and Toronto’s east end.  Click here to read his column.   


Margaret’s House projects


The lovely Victorian mansions at 13, 15, 17 and 19 Winchester Street east of Ontario are being renovated.  They were previously used as rooming houses by Toronto Community Housing and they had fallen into considerable disrepair.  Margaret’s House will use them as supportive housing for women - a major improvement for the neighbourhood.  Click here to read Vanessa Quon’s Globe & Mail article.  

BUSINESS NEWS


Soma Chocolate


Soma (55 Mill Street, Distillery) is reopening on Thursday July 23.  The new hours while they gear up are Wednesdays to Sundays, noon to 8 pm.  They still offer online shopping, curbside pickups and free delivery.  There’s a small patio at the Distillery store and it’s open as well.  Masks and sanitizers are mandatory.  

Businesses are back


Revolt is opening its new hair salon at 244 Carlton.  MHC, the vintage clothing store, has moved to a smaller location immediately next door at 553 Parliament.  Deciem’s Abnormal Beauty Company  (242 Carlton) has reopened.  Spiritleaf is renovating its 238 Carlton Street store while it waits for its cannabis licence.  The Little Cottage (307 Wellesley) is also waiting for a decision from the AGCO about its application for a cannabis licence.

RESTAURANT NEWS


Thanks from Haldi


Haldi (568 Parliament) experienced a break-in a few days ago.  As always, this kind of event really hurts even if there isn't a lot missing.  Devesh from Haldi wants to thank the community for encouraging and supporting him throughout this time -

"Hey Cabbagetown folks,

We wanted to say thank you to all of you for the outpouring of support and love. It helped us get through the untoward situation we faced last week and in return, we would like to offer you a 15% discount off your complete order (valid from today until July 26th).
Thank you all once again for your ongoing support. We look forward to serving you soon."


Picnic supplies


We’re all headed to the park these days for a fun picnic. If you need nifty equipment, check out Porter’s line of bowls, bottles and more at Spruce (455 Parliament).  
Then head off to Daniel et Daniel (248 Carlton) and fill up with one of their amazing picnic boxes. 


This week at Peartree

This week’s specials at Peartree (507 Parliament) include balsamic black angus steak at $25.99,  baked fillet of Arctic char with avocado mango salsa at $18.99 and chicken vindalho - Indian classic based on Portuguese dish at $18.99.  Wash down your dinner with Jacob’s Creek Chardonnay or Shiraz for $5.50/glass or with Waterloo Dark, Mill Street Organic, Steamwhistle pilsner and Alexander Keith IPA at $5/pint. Free delivery on orders over $30 - call  (416) 962-8190.  For menu details, go to the website.

The patio at The Irv

Try their oysters and their ribs - all yummy.  The patio is open daily from 11 am to 1 am.  195 Carlton.

Alice’s Place

Sit on the front porch and watch the whole world pass by.  Alice has a cozy back patio too and it’s open daily as well, 3 pm to 2 am.   554 Parliament.

Cyril’s soups and juices


For Saturday, Cyril is making a mango cucumber gazpacho. Sweet yet refreshing because of the addition of lemon juice and rice vinegar, and loaded with flavour from cumin, coriander, paprika, jalapeno, cilantro, red onion… ($9 for 3 cups, $12 for 4 cups).  His juice will combine cucumber with pineapple, mint and ginger. ($9 for 2 cups).  Tuesday’s soup features pea, edamame and mint soup with the addition of a whole bunch of allium (leeks, onions...) as well as lemon juice - enjoy it hot or cold ($9 for 3 cups and $12 for 4 cups).
He 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.


CONTACT INFO


A comprehensive listing of our local food services is now available in our new Cabbagetown Directory.

The list includes bakeries, coffee shops, delis, restaurants and pubs.  Each entry gives the name, address, phone number and a link to a Facebook page or website.

Click here to find your favourite.  


JULY & AUGUST 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 JULY 23 TO SUNDAY AUGUST 2


Our restaurants and pubs are opening partially with service available on outdoor patios as well as takeout and delivery services.  Entertainment and special events have been cancelled until the COVID-19 shutdowns are over.