August 6

This week’s image: These buildings at 502 - 508 Parliament are landmarks in Cabbagetown - despite being painted green and purple.  Now they're being repaired and renovated. 

CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD 

REVIEW

FEATURED LOCAL ARTIST

Betty White

Betty moved to Cabbagetown in 1984 and has lived here ever since - “I love the neighbourhood and couldn’t imagine living anywhere else in Toronto.”  Born in the United States, she’s lived and worked as an artist and art teacher in Canada since 1969. She’s exhibited in Montreal, Toronto, United States, France and Mexico. Her work is in the collection of the Reader's Digest and The Art Bank as well as private collections around the world. She apprenticed with Brazilian artist Olly Reinhemer in Rio de Janeiro and has taken private studies in 17th century painting with Toronto conservator Andre Orjnach.  She was an art teacher at Montcrest School for 28 years. 

In a review of White's work in the Montreal Gazette, art critic Dorota Kozinska has said, "What strikes the viewer are the eyes, tiny black pinholes, seemingly looking into our very soul. These wrinkled, textured images are disarming, and utterly charming." 

CRADLE OF CHANGE, CRADLE OF FIRE,  1995, 28” X 36”, chalk pastel, pencil on mulberry bark paper.

“There are shadows of struggle and hardship, yet at the focal point, the colours evoke life and joy, the promise of a rewarding future.  The expressionistic face is set and serious but the eyes are happy, steadfast and satisfied.”  - Vera Ignatowitsch, poet and editor.”

Click on the image to enlarge it.  Click here to visit Betty’s website.  

A PERSONAL VIEW

Toronto Community Housing and the City of Toronto have announced that Dixon Hall will be the new owners of 502 - 508 Parliament Street.  These four building have been rooming houses for single men.  

Dixon Hall’s involvement is very good news.  It has a good reputation as a capable operator and a compassionate landlord.  These qualities were lacking when TCHC operated the buildings.  The buildings had declined into considerable disrepair.  In fact, they need major renovations costing $7 million before Dixon Hall can open the doors.

It’s sad to note that these awful living conditions may well have continued if TCHC were not making this sale.  

We hear a lot of excuses from TCHC about the state of repair of its properties.  Beyond the excuses, however, are families and individuals who have to live in degraded conditions.

Spending money on maintenance isn’t a sexy activity.  It doesn’t generate headlines.  But proper maintenance makes a huge difference to the families who are tenants in these properties.  They deserve better.

LOCAL NEWS

Tony Marshall

A great Cabbagetowner died on July 24.  Tony Marshall was always a warm, interesting man - a pleasure to meet either momentarily or for a long conversation.  Our sympathies go to Holly, his wife and to his kids, grandchildren and great grandchildren.  He’ll be missed by all of us. 

Fair Trade Jewellery

When COVID-19 shutdowns happened, Fair Trade Jewellery (523 Parliament) continued its business online.  After the reopening in May, sales have recovered nicely.  Robin Gambhir reports that FTJ decided to donate a portion of its online and retail sales to local food banks and other charities to ensure food security for people in need.  To date, over $12,000 has been donated.  On made to measure purchases, for example, a $50 donation is made for rings and $25 for bands - and you’ll get a credit for the same amount against your sale price.  Click here to see the list of the agencies supported so far.  

Parliament Street Fitness

PSF (488 Parliament)  reopens on Monday August 10 with shortened hours - weekdays 7 am to 7 pm and weekends 9 am to 5 pm.  There are some COVID-19 adjustments.  Masks must be worn entering and leaving the gym and between routines.  Hand sanitizers must be used.  Answer the PSF questionnaire when entering the gym.  Social distancing applies except with a personal trainer (masks are needed then).  Equipment needs to be sprayed after usage.  Washrooms, changing rooms, towel service and indoor classes are all suspended.  Despite all this, it’s great to be back!

Parking permits

Enforcement officers will be back at midnight on Friday August 14. You’ll need an on-street permit if you plan to park overnight.

Cabbagetown Regent Park Museum Historical Tidbit

Image:  Eclipse Theatre, July 27, 1949   CTA 372-41-809

By Sally Gibson

The Eclipse Theatre stood at 387 Parliament Street from Vaudeville days until it was demolished in the great clearings for Regent Park in 1951. Its glory days were during the era of the neighbourhood theatre, or the Nabes. Cabbagetowners were blessed with a profusion of nabes. In addition to the Eclipse and in easy walking distance along Parliament Street were the Carlton (now a dance theatre), the Bluebell or Gay, and the Parliament down at King. 

The Nabes showed a lot of B-movies or better movies long after their premiers. On July 27, 1949 when this photograph was taken, the Eclipse was offering Hop Along Cassidy in 1943’s Riders of the Deadline. Up the street, the Carlton was showing 1935’s The Last Days of Pompeii, and the Parliament was presenting 1948’s The Walls of Jericho. In the far grander and air conditioned movie palace, Shea’s on Yonge Street, Ronald Reagan and Virginia Mayo’s just released The Girl from Jones Beach was held over.

For more Cabbagetown history, photos and videos visit the CRPM Facebook page.

UPDATES

233 Carlton - stalled at TLAB

On March 20, 2020, Howard Bortenstein filed an appeal to the Toronto Local Appeal Body. He’s objecting to the decision made by the Committee of Adjustment to approve the conversion of this building into a women’s respite centre.  Howard makes his appeal as a member of the Cabbagetown Coalition who are opposed to the creation of the respite centre at this location.

Howard identifies four problems with the Committee of Adjustment decision.  He backs up these arguments with a detailed list of over a dozen points.

His appeal has been filed at TLAB.  A hearing date has not been scheduled yet - the building’s conversion cannot take place until a TLAB decision has been received.

Renovations at 502 - 508 Parliament

Toronto Community Housing has announced that Dixon Hall will assume ownership of the four houses located immediately south of the liquor store on Parliament.  They will continue as rooming houses with 44 multi-tenant units.

Dixon Hall is already a lead agency working with tenants in TCHC rooming houses and it will operate an on-site office here with support services for tenants.

A lot of work must be done to restore the buildings and their heritage facades.  $6 million will come from Section 37 community benefits and an additional $1 million from the City of Toronto. Work will start in the Fall and the units will be ready for the Spring 2021.

Click here to read the press release from the City of Toronto.

The Globe & Mail ran a story by John Lorinc in February 2018 about the program that TCHC is following to divest itself of almost 800 homes across Toronto. The four houses on Parliament Street and four more on Winchester are part of this process. 

Daycare at 459 - 461 Sackville

Photo:  supporters of the daycare project gathered in front of the building in 2018.

This is the site of the proposed daycare centre that sparked a local controversy two years ago.  The owner applied to the City of Toronto for approval of a plan to convert a residential site into a daycare.

This application was turned down by the City’s Committee of Adjustment in April 2018.  Subsequently, the owner appealed this decision to the Toronto Local Appeal Body.  Hearings were held on June 29 and June 30, 2020.  The decision from these hearings has not been issued yet.

If the owner receives a TLAB approval, it will only be the first step toward a daycare - approval of the land use proposal for a daycare. It will not approve the actual plans.  Those will require an evaluation by City and provincial bodies.

Gerrard Street Beer Store - 227 Gerrard E

Negotiations between the developer, local residents and the City of Toronto have resulted in important changes to the original proposal. When the City’s planners reported on the project, the developer appealed to the Ontario Municipal Board.  The hearing is pending.

597, 599 & 601 Parliament

Cranberries restaurant is located in the current building.  The owner proposes to alter the building by adding eleven residential units in three upper storeys. The existing office and retail spaces in the lower floors will be retained.  City planner Matthew Zentner is in charge of the City’s review.

Regent Park developer partners

The Board at Toronto Community Housing will decide which developer will become the revitalization partner for Phases 4 and 5 in Regent Park’s revitalization.  Three companies are competing for the project - The Daniels Corporation, Tridel and Capital Developments.  A timeline for the decision has not been made public.

COMING EVENTS

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 online here.  

Under the Stars

Watch the outdoor movies from the comfort of your home. This year, the Regent Park Film Festival’s program is online.  Every Wednesday at 7 pm.  On August 12, it’s Green White Green.  On August 18, Mirel and August 26, 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.  August 18 to 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.

Virtual summer celebration

Photo:  Cylla von Tiedemann

Presented by the School of Toronto Dance Theatre.  Tuesday August 11 at 2 pm via Crowdcast live streaming.  Enjoy highlights from the past year, a Pecha Kucha Dance Adventure and exciting announcements and messages from the staff and students.  Free.  Check on the School’s Facebook page for streaming info.

Local 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.

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

Crane collapses

Photo:  Mehrdad Nazarahari/CBC

A crane collapsed from a building under construction at River and Dundas on Thursday August 6 at 10:30 am.  No serious injuries were reported but two people were shaken up by the incident.  The operator was not on the equipment when it fell.  Click here for the CBC’s report.

Corktown Common

Photo: Glenn Sumi, NOW Magazine

NOW Magazine suggests a stroll through Corktown Common from Bayview to the Don Valley Trail.  It’s recommended as a quick and easy break during pandemic days.  Click here for the story.

A happy reunion

Photo:  Courtesy of Nashat Cassim

Philip Lee-Shanok has written an intriguing story for CBC News about a pediatric dentist who grew up in Regent Park and attended Sprucecourt School.  Years later, a Facebook ad for a flower planter got a reply from his former kindergarten teacher.  They remembered each other and were reunited after 23 years.  Click here to read the story. 

233 Carlton

Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam sponsored a motion at Toronto City Council to learn about the lease arrangements involving 233 Carlton.  Natalie Nanowski at CBC News wrote about her initiative.  Click here to read about it. 

RESTAURANT NEWS

New Hours for ice cream

The Lansdowne Cone (555 Dundas E) has new business hours.  Yummy flavours available from 1 to 10 pm, Monday to Thursday and 1 to 11 pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Takeout dinner from Cranberries

Cranberries (601 Parliament) has a three-course dinner with all their favourites - soup or salad, braised lamb shanks in a red wine sauce with mashed potatoes and veggies and sticky toffee pudding or bread pudding for dessert.  All for $20 on Friday nights.  Click here to see the daily menu and the weekend Family Meals.

Lobster fest at The Irv

The Irv (195 Carlton) is offering lobster specials every day to Sunday August 9.  Everything from a mac ’n cheese match-up to surf and turf.  Enjoy the patio in this marvellous weather.

This week at Peartree

This week’s specials at Peartree (507 Parliament) include a classic peppercorn steak at $25.99,  maple roasted Atlantic salmon at $19.99 and breast of chicken Madagascar 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.

Vicino

The Italian restaurant that opened in The Sumach by Chartwell has closed.  148 Sumach.

Cyril’s soups and juices

On Saturday August 8, Cyril will offer sweet potato, ginger and lime soup with a definitive hint of Asian flavours  (3 cups for $9 and 4 cups for $12).  His juice is cherries and stone fruits (2 cups for $9).  Next week on Saturday August 15, he’s making peach, thyme and tomato soup  (3 cups for $9 and 4 cups for $12) and a kiwi berry juice (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.