August 27

This week’s image: The Cabbagetown BIA has installed images on the fencing around the street patios at our pubs.  This one, from Patrick Hunter, is displayed at Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton).


CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD 

REVIEW



FEATURED LOCAL ARTIST


Betty White

Betty is a Cabbagetown artist who’s lived here since 1984.  She’s our featured artist through August.  Click on the image to enlarge it.  Click here to visit Betty’s website.  


ODE TO ITALY,  25” x13”, chalk pastel, pencil on cow skin
“When I think of my travels in Italy, I think of a special kind of contentment, in myself and the character of the people. The mood in this piece reflects that.”


LOCAL NEWS


Bell Box project


Photo:  Michael Cavanaugh

The Bell Box project at Street Art recruits artists and finds utility boxes that need to be perked up.  This one at the corner of Gerrard and Berkeley across from the library has just been finished.  The artist is Julie Amlin and she’s done a colour bomb on a set of boxes.  Thanks also to Cabbagetown South resident Louis-Philippe Rochon who notified Bell about a year ago that these boxes needed a facelift.  Congrats for a great job. 


Cabbagetown Short Film Festival

Gina Dineen is organizing the Film Festival as an online event.  Your ticket will allow you to watch the films on Wednesday September 9, Thursday September 10 and Friday September 11.  Or you can watch all of them in one big binge.  Twelve films - lots of comedy and drama.  You can also catch the trailers on the website.
Buy yours now, $15 - and make a donation to help it to continue in the future.  Click here for tickets and info about the films.  


Blair’s Run

This will be the 41st year for this remarkable event. Organizers are setting up an online “race”.
Here’s the first step. Save the date - the race window will be longer so the start-up is still Friday September 11 and the end date is “to be determined”. Get your team organized. 
Second, the routes are still being settled. It sounds as if negotiations with various parts of officialdom are also involved.
Third, team captains should contact Brenda Brown McNee. Let the committee know whether you can help. Volunteers are needed for social media, flyer deliveries and mapping the routes. 
It sounds really imaginative - once the details are cleared up, there’ll be more announcements on the website.


Update - 233 Carlton

Justin Lewis from the City’s Shelter, Support & Housing Administration reports that the current appeal to the Toronto Local Appeal Body has limited the activity possible at 233 Carlton.  Some of the indoor demolition is permissible and it’s being undertaken.  

Update - the tunnel and big pipe

Three massive tunnels are under construction along the Don River, Taylor Creek and the Inner Harbour.  They’ll capture combined sewer outflows (storm water and sewage), store excess water and greatly improve our water quality.  The water is taken to the Ashbridges water treatment facility.  It’s the biggest water treatment project in Toronto’s history.  
The portion that we see is the Coxwell Bypass tunnel along the Don River - 10.5 km long, 6.3 metres in diameter.  The work at Bloor and Bayview is an underground storage shaft and will continue to early 2024.  The work at Rosedale Valley Road is for a connecting shaft - it’s almost finished and will wind up in September 2020.   A third site at Gerrard and River is a connecting shaft and the work here is finished.  

Check out the scope of the project online here.   


Art Walk in Cabbagetown

Photo:  Cabbagetown BIA

Seven local restaurants have set up street-side patios.  Artists have contributed images that are decorating the fencing around each patio. You can see Susan Hunter at F’Amelia (12 Amelia), Chihiro Segi at Kingyo (51B Winchester), Fatspatrol at Peartree (507 Parliament), James Fowler at the House on Parliament (454 Parliament), Taylor Ray at Saigon Pai (446 Parliament), Duncan McLean at Chew Chew Diner (186 Carlton) and Patrick Hunter at Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton).  Thanks to the Cabbagetown BIA for the fencing and the artwork that’s beautifying these new street patios.


Stabbing at Sherbourne and Dundas

Photo:  George Joseph, CITY NEWS
A woman was stabbed and killed in a convenience store at Sherbourne and Dundas.  It happened at 10 am on Wedneday August 26.  A second woman has been arrested.


Distillery WiFi

The Distillery now offers neighbourhood WiFi throughout the District.  Select “Distillery WiFi by Beanfield” and get one hour’s service.  Free.

Federal government services

Although Bill Morneau has resigned as our Member of Parliament, we still have access to federal services through his former constituency office.  His local assistants will handle our ongoing needs and they’ll stay until a new MP is elected and chooses new staff.  Please note that the office is closed because of the COVID-19 lockdown and it’s unclear whether it’ll reopen. If you need help, call (416) 972-9748 or email the office here.   

COMING EVENTS


Dixonlicious is back

This is the live auction that’s a fun part of Dixon Hall’s annual fundraiser.  It pays for much of the food program that Dixon Hall offers to the community.  It’s back - this time it’s online.  The list of goodies is impressive.  An evening in an inn in Prince Edward County and another at Toronto’s Sheraton Centre.  Prints by Charles Pachter.  Hand knit dolls.  A Scotty Cameron putter.  Bike lights, designer robes, spa and hair treatments.  Lots more - check it out and place your bid.  Open until the auction ends at 9 pm on Monday August 31.  

Loose Woman, my odyssey from lost to found

Beth Kaplan’s new book will be launched on September 9 at her home (308 Sackville) from 4 to 6 pm.  Beth says that “It’s the story of how a quasi-alcoholic Canadian actor came to spend four astonishing months in 1979 living and working among men with severe disabilities at a L’Arche community in Provence, and how the experience opened her heart and transformed her life.”  Social distancing, a one-way flow of guests and other pandemic precautions will be observed. Print copies from Beth are $25, three or more for $20. Print books also available from Ben McNally Books, Chapter/Indigo and Amazon, e-book from Kobo, Kindle and Amazon. An audiobook read by the author will be available on Audible - all on and after September 9.   Check her website for more info and for direct orders.   


Local farmers markets

The best produce of the season is now arriving - corn, tomatoes, fruit and lots of green veggies. Cabbagetown Market (Riverdale Park, Winchester and Sumach) has attracted more vendors with good seasonal produce.  It 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.

Taste of Regent Park

Once again offering a free take-away meal once a week.  Wednesdays from 6 to 7 pm in Regent Park (620 Dundas E).

CityView Drive-in

CityView Drive-In (20 Polson) is a new venue for concerts and movies.  Check out the website for info and tickets.  

IN THE MEDIA


The new river valley 

Images:  Toronto Star
David Rider has written a comprehensive story in the Toronto Star about the massive project that’s happening in the Port Lands.  He describes the new route for the Don River, the future island that will be home to thousands of residents and new businesses and the new parks along the lakeshore.  
Click here to read it.   


Toronto Police Service

Photo:  Toronto Police Services
Police are looking for Rowan Atkins.  Mr Atkins is wanted in connection to a “threat to kill” involving gang members from Regent park.  This threat was posted on an instagram account. CBC News has written about it.  


BUSINESS NEWS


Parliament Street Fitness is open

Jay noticed that some of his customers were surprised to find that his gym has reopened.  So he decided to do a big banner for his front window.  His 8-year old niece Anya and his 12-year old nephew Kieran pitched in and did it for him.  It’s a nifty look and good advertising as well. (416) 901-5421, 488 Parliament.

Kendall is Open

Yes, Kendall & Co is open and they are awesome. Simply email or call (416) 363-9914 to set up your private appointment to shop their new collection of wool rugs, new vinyl floor mats, new wallpaper and new Canadian-made furniture. Open Tuesday to Saturday Noon to 5pm. https://kendallandco.ca

Children’s Book Bank

As school openings happen, the Book Bank (350 Berkeley) has new hours starting September 8 to continue their book distribution and literacy programs.  For more information about booking a group, email.

Cabbagetown Organics

Peter and Sam want to remind you that this is the best time to buy their fresh, organic veggies.  499 Parliament.  

RESTAURANT NEWS


Welcome DOVA


DOVA (229 Carlton) is opening on Thursday, August 27. Jacqueline and chef Roberto are offering Sicilian and Mediterranean Islands cuisine.  The restaurant is beautifully designed.  The main dining area is completely refinished in a modern, white style. The intimate cellar room is available for private functions. The rear patio is enclosed in a courtyard and is one of the most impressive in Cabbagetown.  Menus are available online and daily features and news are on Facebook and Instagram.  Open now from 5 to 11 pm.  Watch for the weekend brunch, coming very soon.  Reservations at (647) 347-8930, email.  

Welcome back, Cranberries

Cranberries (601 Parliament) will reopen on Tuesday September 1. The weekday hours are 4 to 9:30 pm, weekends from 9 am to 9:30 pm.  The takeout menu is still available from Monday to Friday, 11 am to 4 pm.  Cabbagetown’s friendly neighbourhood pub is back!

Headscratchers Trivia

Every Tuesday at Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton). Arrive by 7:15 pm for 7:30 startup. It’s the Stage Three edition, socially distanced.  Reserve your space ahead of time - follow this link to book your table and to learn the new Stage Three rules.    

This week at Peartree

This week’s specials at Peartree (507 Parliament) include a slow-cooked lamb shank at $18.99,  baked fillet of rainbow trout for $18.99 and oven roasted pork ribs at $15.99  Wash down your dinner with a glass of wine for $5.50 or with a glass of beer on tap at $5/pint. Free delivery on orders over $30 - call  (416) 962-8190.

Odin is closing

This beautiful cafe and bar space at Odin (514 King E) is closing. Its final day will be Sunday August 30 from 8 am to 1 pm. The impact of COVID-19 is mentioned.  The design at this shop attracted international media attention during its life. 

Cyril’s soups and juices

On Saturday August 29, Cyril is making a 3-potato soup (red, Yukon and sweet). It’ll be cream-based but, as usual, you can request coconut milk instead. It will be mostly chunky but I’ll probably blend some of it for some thickness and texture. (three cups for $9 and four cups for $12.)  His juice is strawberry lemonade and you’ll get four cups for the price of two, $9.
He plans to skip Tuesdays for the summer and make one soup each week for Saturday.  Email him to get all the details about each day’s menus.


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 20

This week’s image: The new bike lanes on Bayview run between Rosedale Valley Road and River Street.




CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD 

REVIEW




FEATURED LOCAL ARTIST


Betty White

Betty is a Cabbagetown artist who’s lived here since 1984.  She’s our featured artist through August.  Click on the image to enlarge it.  Click here to visit Betty’s website.  bettywhite.ca

MEMORIES OF RUSSIA,  47''X 35”, collage on canvas, gouache, paper, chalk

“My grandparents were from Russia. In ‘Memories of Russia’, history lives, heavy and rich with throbbing emotion while implacably transcendent of passing time. The memories are multi-layered, both powerful and gentle. darkness is punctuated by light, and both overlay and wed cushions of colour."   Vera Ignatowitsch, poet and editor


A PERSONAL VIEW

Bill Morneau has left Parliament and Ottawa’s politics. A lot of reasons are being given - about various policy differences with the Prime Minister, about his connections to the WE charities and about his decision to leave before the next election.  In the end, it’s also likely that he just decided that he didn’t want any more scheming and backstabbing.

It’s sad.  We’ve lost a good man. He became a friendly, effective representative for our riding.  He was originally parachuted in but he soon knew and enjoyed life in Cabbagetown.  He responded to the City of Toronto by providing major support when the Mayor asked for more housing funds.  And he was a good minister, piloting Canada’s finances during two extremely tough trials - the free trade negotiations and then the COVID-19 pandemic. He brought pension reforms for Canadian seniors, benefits for young families with kids and lower taxes for middle income earners.

Thanks Bill.


THE DAYCARE CENTRE

The daycare centre at Amelia and Sackville has received approval from the Toronto Local Appeal Body in a decision issued on Thursday August 13.  The property owner, Robert Ulicki, was previously refused approval by the City’s Committee of Adjustment in April 2018.  At that time, the issue divided the community and drew attention from media across Toronto.  He appealed and TLAB member Stanley Makuch agreed with him.

This is an interim decision.  Mr Ulicki now has until December 2021 to get an operating partner, devise a site plan and a parking plan and get a provincial license.


The TLAB decision

Stanley Makuch’s decision for the Toronto Local Appeal Body is based on four tests. Mr Makuch decided that the proposal meets these standards and he approved it with the provision that the decision will come into effect in December 2021.

Parking and traffic were big concerns at the hearings.  He proposes that a range of 4, 5 or 6 parking spaces be reserved to drop-off and pick-up the kids, depending on the final enrolment numbers.  These figures were acceptable to traffic experts representing all sides of the issue.  He also found that pedestrian crossings on these small streets to get to the daycare would not be particularly risky.  He does not directly address the question of traffic jams during these times.

He believes that the daycare can support the heritage quality of the neighbourhood.  Daycares are described and accepted in the bylaw and the official plan.  Furthermore, this proposal ensures that the entire historic facade of this property will be preserved.

The final approval is scheduled for December 10, 2021.  This gives Mr Ulicki time to get a provincial license, to get City approval for the on-street parking and for the site plan, to get approval from heritage services and to negotiate a lease for boulevard parking.  With these approvals, this decision will come into full force.

The decision is online here.


Neighbourhood reactions

Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam wants more daycare in her Ward but, “The problem with the application is that it doesn’t address how day to day operations of a daycare of the size being proposed could safely function given existing conditions.”  The City Solicitor is now reviewing the decision with the possibility of pursuing more legal appeals - an approach that the Councillor supports.

Blaine Pearson, a neighbour across the street from the proposed daycare, says that she’s still trying to figure out what the decision means.  She finds it convoluted.

Robert Ulicki, the building’s owner, is of course, really pleased.  “It is”, he says, “a major hurdle that’s been overcome.”

Other neighbours acknowledge the need for some kind of child care facility here, especially as more young couples move into Cabbagetown.  They are also anxious that the parking and traffic issues be solved.


Robert Ulicki’s plans

Mr Ulicki has set out several targets for his development of the new daycare centre.  He needs to find a professional daycare operator.  It’s an important decision for him since this operator will steer his proposals through the Ontario government procedures.  Mr Ulicki plans to rent his buildings to the operator and let it sort out the standards and make the project viable. He also plans to supervise the final renovations for the property.  It’s currently an empty shell, allowing him to meet government standards and to turn the building into an up-to-date facility.


LOCAL NEWS


New bike lanes

New lanes on Bayview are open between Rosedale Valley Road and River Street.  Previously, this was a tough place for cyclists. Now, it’s a safe ride.  This link opens the Bloor-Yonge area, or Leaside, or north Toronto for cyclists. The Brickworks can now be reached easily from Cabbagetown.  For bike riders coming from the north, the entire downtown and the lakefront trails are safely open.  It’s a good project.

Cabbagetown Short Film Festival

Gina Dineen is organizing the Film Festival as an online event.  Your ticket will allow you to watch the films on Wednesday September 9, Thursday September 10 and Friday September 11.  Or you can watch all of them in one big binge.  Twelve films - lots of comedy and drama.  You can also catch the trailers on the website.
Buy yours now, $15 - and make a donation to help it to continue in the future.  Click here for tickets and info about the films.


Blair’s Run

This will be the 41st year for this remarkable event.  Organizers are setting up an online “race”.  It sounds really imaginative - once the details are cleared up, there’ll be more announcements on the website.
Here’s the first step.  Save the date - the weekend of September 11 to 13.
Second, team captains should contact Brenda Brown McNee.  Let the committee know whether you can help.  Volunteers are needed for social media, flyer deliveries and mapping the routes.
Your ideas are welcome - more to come soon.


In-studio classes

The Canadian Contemporary Dance Theatre (509 Parliament) is accepting registrations for in-studio classes that start in September. Space is limited due to reduced class sizes - register now to ensure a spot in your preferred classes. Rigorous protocols have been put in place to protect the health and safety of all students and staff.
The expert faculty seeks to make an art of the natural joy of movement found in every child, providing a unique alternative to competition-based training. Children's classes offered include RAD Ballet, Limón Modern, as well as Creative Movement, Jazz, Musical Theatre, and Hip Hop. 

All-level Adult Modern is also offered this fall.  

Please visit the website to learn more.


Cabbagetown Regent Park Museum Historical Tidbit

Image:  Blue-filtered moon, July 31, 2015 from Just in Weather
by Sally Gibson

A blue moon isn’t blue. Nor is it always a sign of good luck as many sweet songs suggest.  Folklore has sometimes deemed it to mean back luck. Are we in such a time? Maybe.

What is a blue moon? Two definitions have been proposed. The Farmer’s Almanac adopted the seasonal approach. Most three-month seasons have three full moons. Occasionally, however, a season has an extra full moon. The Almanac labelled the fourth full moon “blue.” Using this definition, there was a blue moon in 1937, as the Almanac predicted, and in 1918, as the records show.

Another interpretation is that the blue moon is a second full moon in one month. Using this definition, Toronto will experience a blue moon on October 31, 2020.

What kind of blue moon shone over Cabbagetown on August 22, 1918? It was definitely a bad moon rising. The Spanish flu hit the city about a month later, killing about 1,750 residents. What will this year’s blue moon on October 31 portend? Given our current COVID-19 pandemic, the signs are not good. But perhaps by Halloween, our luck will have changed a bit. And maybe by the time the next seasonal blue moon rises on August 22, 2021, we will be mask-free and filled with good luck.


COMING EVENTS


Under the Stars

Watch the outdoor movies from the comfort of your home. This year, the Regent Park Film Festival’s program is online. Wednesday August 26 at 7 pm is the final date and the movie is Dark City Beneath the Beat.  It’s free but you need to register here.

We were.  We are.  We will be.

An anthology of ten digital and live performances from Canadian Stage.  Daily to Sunday August 23.  Go on a guided musical exploration of the Leslie Street spit with Anishinaabe composer Melody McKiver. Experience live dub poetry with d'bi.young anitafrika.  Bring your whole family to Underpass Park for physically-distanced games.  Tickets are free - but you need one because space is limited.  For more info and tickets, click here.

Local farmers markets

The best produce of the season is now arriving - corn, tomatoes, fruit and lots of green veggies. 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.

Taste of Regent Park

Once again offering a free take-away meal once a week.  Wednesdays from 6 to 7 pm in Regent Park (620 Dundas E).

CityView Drive-in

CityView Drive-In (20 Polson) is a new venue for concerts and movies.  Check out the website for info and tickets.

IN THE MEDIA


Open streets in the post-pandemic future

Illustration:  Maria Nguyen in Toronto Life
Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam wrote about the possibilities of continuing access to open streets on a permanent basis.  Her Toronto Life article is online here.


WE charities divesting real estate

Photo:  Toronto Storeys
Ainsley Smith has written in Toronto Storeys about the impact of recent scandals and COVID-19 on the various WE organizations.  Click here for her story.


Daycare centre gets approval

Francine Kopun wrote a summary in The Star about the TLAB approval for the daycare project at Sackville and Amelia. Click here to read it.


BUSINESS NEWS


Children’s Book Bank

As school openings happen, the Book Bank (350 Berkeley) has new hours starting September 8 to continue their book distribution and literacy programs.  For more information about booking a group, email.

Yes, Kendall is Open

Yes, Kendall & Co is open and they are awesome! Simply email or call (416) 363-9914 to set up your private appointment. Nothing can slow down the talented and creative people at your local design shop. Shop now for their new collection of wool rugs, vinyl floor mats, wallpaper and Canadian-made furniture. Online shop.  Open Tuesday to Saturday Noon to 5 pm. 516 Parliament.

RESTAURANT NEWS


DOVA is coming

Opening on Thursday, August 27. More to come soon about reservations, menus and contact info.  229 Carlton, website.

Your reviews

Peartree’s patio (507 Parliament) got a nice comment from Barbara. She went there with her friend Sheila for lunch, “The patio is really pretty, and covered with umbrellas, so no one is sitting in the sun. … Both of us had the same thing: club sandwiches with soup of the day,  gazpacho.  DELICIOUS.  The sandwiches were made with real chicken!  How unusual and delicious.  The soup was great.”
Send in your comments when you’ve enjoyed a nice meal.


Headscratchers Trivia is back

Every Tuesday at Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton). Arrive by 7:15 pm for 7:30 startup. It’s the Stage Three edition, socially distanced.  You need to reserve your space ahead of time - follow this link to book your table and to learn the new Stage Three rules.

Summer menu at The Irv

The Irv (195 Carlton) has launched its new summer menu.  The patio is open - a great spot.

This week at Peartree

This week’s specials at Peartree (507 Parliament) include a New York striploin with jumbo garlic shrimp for $25.99, haddock parmesan for $16.99 and garlic chicken and mushroom penne pasta at $16.99.  Wash down your dinner with a glass of wine for $5.50 or with a glass of beer on tap at $5/pint. Free delivery on orders over $30 - call  (416) 962-8190.

Cyril’s soups and juices

On Saturday August 20, Cyril is making a classic Indian lentil and tomato soup, flavoured with "the 4 Cs": cumin, coriander, cinnamon and coconut milk  (3 cups for $9 and 4 cups for $12) and an orange and peach juice flavoured with passion fruit or guava (2 cups for $9).
He plans to skip Tuesdays for the summer and make one soup each week for Saturday.

Email him to get all the details about each day’s menus.


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.