September 24

This week’s image: Lookin’ good, thanks to the Cabbagetown BIA.



CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD 

REVIEW



FEATURED LOCAL ARTIST


Marilyn Wilputte

Marilyn is a graduate of the Ontario College of Art. She’s been living and working in Cabbagetown since 2005. She's also well-known here as the owner of Diggity Dog Grooming (239 Gerrard E).   You can see more of her work on Instagram @marilynwilputte



Three Swimmers  This was my first attempt at acrylic on birchwood. From this piece, I learned that I need to sand and seal the boards before I start. I do love seeing the grain of the wood in the background.  Acrylic on birch, 52 cm x 40 cm.


A PERSONAL VIEW


Marci Ien has been appointed by Prime Minister Trudeau to be the Liberal candidate in the by-election that’s just started in Toronto Centre.


Two by-elections are happening at the same time and Mr Trudeau has selected strong women to run in these ridings.  Popular wisdom puts both ridings in the Liberals’ win column so it’s notable that these two candidates won’t just be token women whose efforts add to statistical totals but little else.


Ms Ien has the same problem that faced her predecessor, Bill Morneau.  The appointment robs her of an opportunity to learn the rough and tumble art of street-level politics.  It’s a vital skill that’s learned, not inherited.  It involves sensitivities to a lot of subtle issues that can explode if ignored or mishandled.  


Both the federal and provincial Toronto Centre riding associations benefited from the hard organizational work done by Bill Graham, George Smitherman and Bob Rae.  These benefits started with vigorous nomination campaigns that generated local loyalties and permanent memberships. On the other hand, appointments weaken local organizations and both the elected officials and the local activists are poorer as a result.  


LOCAL NEWS


Thanks to the BIA

The Cabbagetown BIA has once again decorated our shopping streets with colourful floral bouquets.  They’re at their autumn peak now and they look great.   


41st annual Blair’s Run

Congrats to the organizers and supporters of the 2020 Blair’s Run.  By Thursday morning, over $20,000 had been raised to assist the new merger between the Cabbagetown Youth Centre and the Toronto Kiwanis Boys & Girls Club.  Donations are open until October 20.  85 people competed.  They followed either the traditional 2 km course or they developed a freestyle activity of their own.  It’s been a rough year for the CYC and the community has responded with strong encouragement for its new plans. You can see a list of the participants, teams and donors online.  


Queen Street subway

The proposed Ontario Line subway under Queen Street will include two local stops.  The first at Moss Park is just one block west of Sherbourne near the arena and the park at George Street.  The second one at King and Berkeley will serve Corktown, the Distillery and George Brown College.   Metrolinx has a news release online to explain these new developments.  


Classes at CCDT

The Canadian Contemporary Dance Theatre (509 Parliament) has successfully launched its 2020 classes.  Its COVID-19 safety protocols are working and everyone is feeling safe - check out the photo.  Trial classes are underway for RAD Ballet, Limón Modern, Creative Movement, Jazz, Musical Theatre and Hip Hop.  The all-level Adult Modern is filling up fast.  Registrations will stay open through September.  For more info, call (416)  924-5657 or go to the website  


Graffiti fighters at the BIA

The Cabbagetown BIA has recruited young painters who will tackle graffiti on business walls along Parliament, Carlton and Gerrard.  They did a wonderful job on the wall with the Ben Wicks’ image of Pierre Trudeau - an iconic Cabbagetown mural.  Contact Rick Matthews at the BIA for more info. Thanks, folks, for your good work.



New development proposals

252 Parliament - on the site of the former Salvation Army Thrift Store.  The proposal was registered at the City of Toronto on September 1 and the review process has started. The developer is Core Development Group who want to build a nine storey mixed use building with 71 residential units and commercial or retail space on the street level.  The building will be heated and cooled with a geothermal system that will be built beneath the basement.  UrbanToronto has described the project in an online article.   


401 Dundas East - the application has not appeared on the City’s website yet.  It’s located on the south side of Dundas between Berkeley and Milan.  The developer, Plaza Partners, has not listed any details yet online.  The site currently contains an auto repair shop.  


Floral recipes

Friends of Allan Gardens have posted an article listing recipes for floral syrups and additives.  Great ideas with lots of how-to advice.  Click here to check it out.  


Local by-election news

For a brief, exciting time, we thought that the People’s Party of Canada leader Maxime Bernier was going to be a candidate here in Toronto Centre.  But we’ve heard it through the grapevine that he’s gone north instead to York Centre.  Farewell, Max, it was a short but sweet time with you.


COMING EVENTS


Plants for the lanes

Louis-Philippe Rochon is collecting plants for Calgie and Drovers Lane, the newly renovated neighbourhood lanes. He’s already secured 200 plants from the City of Toronto and he’s looking for more.  Drop off any extras that you wish to donate at 338 Berkeley. His planting date is next weekend, September 26-27.

  

Community environment days

This year’s Environment Day has been rescheduled.  It’s a drive-through event with health and safety protocols.  Our local Drop-Off Depot is 400 Commissioner Street and it happens on Sunday October 4 from 9 am to 1 pm.  The City of Toronto organizes these days to receive hazardous waste and to recycle used clothing, household goods, books and more.  To learn more about it, read the CBC’s story about the 2019 events.  For more info and for the locations of the other Drop-Off Depots, go to the website.  (Photo: James Morrison-Collalto/CBC)  


Local farmers markets

The autumn market is here with the year’s best produce - cabbages, turnips, squash, fruit and lots of broccoli. Cabbagetown Market (Riverdale Park, Winchester and Sumach) - only two weeks left.  It continues every Tuesday from 3 to 7 pm until October 6.  The Underpass Park Farmers Market (29 Lower River Street) operates every Thursday afternoon from 4 to 7:30 pm.


IN THE MEDIA


Elvis lives at Fairway

Fairway Variety was highlighted by Tanya Mok on blogTO in early September.  She answers the question that many of us have asked - what’s with all the Elvis statues?  Check out her fun story here. (Photo:  Tanya Mok, blogTO)  


The Toronto Christmas Market

The 2020 Christmas Market in the Distillery has been cancelled.  It’s normally hugely successful.  Estimates are that more than 700,000 people attend during its six-week long schedule - obviously far more than the COVID-19 guidelines could permit.  Katherine DeClerq has written about the cancellation in the Toronto Star.  (Photo:  Fareen Karim, blogTO)  


Green townhomes in Regent Park

Tracy Hanes wrote in Saturday’s Toronto Star about the Field House EcoUrban project (Wyatt and River) - 24 townhomes that are currently under construction by the Daniels Corporation.  They feature fossil-free living and a smaller carbon footprint.  They’ll use “52% less energy, emit 89% fewer greenhouse gases and reduce energy costs by 11% compared to Daniels traditional townhomes.”  Click here to read her story.  


BUSINESS NEWS


Welcome Shivon

Shivon has joined the staff at the Cabbagetown BIA.  She’s here thanks to a Canada Summer Jobs grant. She’s working on the BIA’s website and she’s updating the members’ directory.  Best wishes, Shivon - it’s a fun place to work.


Spruce is having a warehouse rummage sale

Kim from Spruce (455 Parliament) is cleaning out her back room.  She’s holding a rummage sale on Saturday September 26 from 9 am to noon.  Lots of vintage items and fun stuff at great prices. On the boulevard on Spruce Street next to No Frills.  Don’t miss it!


Classes at Parliament Street Fitness

Yoga, high intensity interval training and pilates classes have started again.  Parliament Street Fitness (488 Parliament) welcomes both members and non-members.  Classes are held in Riverdale Park West and on Zoom. To find out more info or to register, go to the PSF website, click on the Schedule tab and “Book classes here”.   


Cabbagetown and Toronto coasters

New and improved, Cabbagetown and Toronto coasters are back in stock at Kendall & Co (514 Parliament). Made local - now with a matte water absorbent ceramic. New images added to the popular series. Email or call (416) 363-9914 to book your visit.  Check out new arrivals in store and online - gifts, candles and accessories. Open Tuesday to Saturday Noon to 5 pm. 


RESTAURANT NEWS


Thanksgiving at home

Daniel et Daniel (248 Carlton) has a delicious Thanksgiving feast ready for you - butternut squash soup, sage roast turkey with stuffing, gravy and cranberry sauce,  herb mashed potatoes, brussel sprouts and apple cranberry crumble for dessert.  Minimum order for two, $40/person.  Click here for the online order details.   


Congrats to the HoP

Anja Kundacina writing in Narcity has highlighted seven Toronto restaurants that are underrated and worthy of a visit.  House on Parliament (454 Parliament) is one of them .  “The food at this unique Toronto pub is always so fresh and the portion sizes are massive. They also have fantastic artisanal daily specials.”


Mill Street’s organic festival

Mill Street has organized an organic festival, running now until September 25.  The menu includes organic offerings - from Yorkshire Valley Farms, Field Gate Organics, Homestead Farm, Planet Shrimp and Fred’s Bread.  Each entree is paired with a suggested brew.  20 Tankhouse Lane, Distillery


Peartree

This week’s specials at Peartree (507 Parliament) include herbed grilled T-bone steak at $25.99, classic fish and chips at $16.99 and breast of pesto chicken at $18.99. The front and back patios are open.  For reservations, call (416) 962-8190.


Cyril’s soups and juices

Cyril is again making two different soups each week.  On Saturday September 26, he’s making Thai carrot and sweet potato soup (three cups for $9 and four cups for $12.)  His juice is pear, mint and greens (two cups, $9.)  The order deadline is noon on Friday September 25. His soup for Tuesday September 29 is Moroccan vegetable stew (three cups for $9 and four cups for $12.)  The order deadline is also noon on Friday September 25.  Email him to get all the details about each day’s menus.


CLUBS & PUBS – DAILY LISTINGS


Life is slowly returning at our pubs.  It’s fun to have this list active again.


THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 24 TO SUNDAY OCTOBER 4


For contact info about these clubs and restaurants, click on the link at the bottom of this page.  

If there's a cover charge or tickets are sold, the prices are listed.


TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 29


Cabbagetown Farmers Market

3 to 7 pm, Riverdale Park West (Sumach at Winchester)

Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton)

7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia


THURSDAY OCTOBER 1


Underpass Park Farmers Market

4 to 7:30 pm, 29 Lower River Street


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.  


September 17

This week’s image: A beautiful Fall day in Riverdale Park.  People are all spread out safely and enjoying themselves. 




CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD

REVIEW



FEATURED LOCAL ARTIST


Marilyn Wilputte

Marilyn is a graduate of the Ontario College of Art. She’s been living and working in Cabbagetown since 2005. She's also well-known here as the owner of Diggity Dog Grooming (239 Gerrard E).   You can see more of her work on Instagram @marilynwilputte



A Game of Fetch. 
 That's my dog Aster! I love a dog's intent, focused stare at the ball just before you throw it.  Acrylic on birch panel, 30.5 cm x 30.5 cm.


A PERSONAL VIEW


The daycare proposal by Robert Ulicki for his building at Amelia and Sackville has been resurrected.  But it’s still not a sure thing.  Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam is opposed and the City Solicitor is considering an appeal. The Councillor has offered to revive the queries at the Toronto Catholic District School Board.  That would be a positive initiative. 


It’s time to face some basic facts.

  • First of all, there is a demonstrated need for a daycare in this part of Cabbagetown. 
  • Second, there are public facilities in Cabbagetown that would be ideal locations for a daycare - the former St Martin’s school site on Winchester Street and the Simpson House in Riverdale Farm.
  • Third, a daycare centre in this neighbourhood will probably be private not a city-run operation.
  • Finally, no one knows yet how large Mr Ulicki’s daycare at Amelia and Sackville might be - regulators at the Province of Ontario will set the final enrolment figure at a future date.   

Mr Ulicki’s project offers a practical option for a needed community service. It may have its flaws but unless someone comes up with a better idea, he should be encouraged. 


LOCAL NEWS


41st annual Blair’s Run



Even though the Cabbagetown Festival was cancelled, racers and teams are organizing and raising funds with Blair’s Run.  By Thursday afternoon, over $10,000 had been raised to assist the new merger between the Cabbagetown Youth Centre and the Toronto Kiwanis Boys & Girls Club.
The virtual Run is happening now - 2/3 of the participants are following the regular 2 km course and the rest are going freestyle. Pick your own course and race to your heart’s content.  It continues to Sunday September 20. Go online for registration, $20 and for more details.    


The cabbage gets cut



The Cabbagetown BIA sliced up a cabbage to commemorate the 2020 Festival.  This slicing is usually held annually to launch each year’s Festival.  For some, it’s a religious ritual, done to appease the Cabbage Gods and ensure good fortune for the coming year.  We sure need that.  Mark from St Jamestown Steak & Chops (516 Parliament) did the deed this year - check the BIA’s Facebook page for a video.   


Bill Graham Youth Centre



Construction is finished and Dixon Hall’s new youth centre has opened in Regent Park.  It’s named after Bill Graham whose major donation made the fundraising campaign so successful.  The centre will house training and youth activities on its lower floors and the Dixon Hall Music School on the top floors.  It’s a major facility for Regent Park, along with the nearby Athletic Grounds, community centre, Pam McConnell Aquatic Centre and the Daniels Spectrum. 51 Wyatt.  


Updates - local cannabis stores



Three stores have been authorized to open in Cabbagetown - Growers Retail (492 Parliament), The Green Closet (439 Parliament) and Canna Cabana (433 Parliament).  They’ve been open for a while.  Two more are still in the application stages - Little House (307 Wellesley) and Spiritleaf (238 Carlton).  Two more nearby locations are also in the application stages - Westcan Cannabis (407B Bloor E near St James Town) and Corner Cannabis (514 King E in Corktown).  Another one at Shuter and Parliament has disappeared from the government map and presumably is not in consideration any longer. 
A note on the government website explains that approximately twenty approvals are issued each month and the agency is committed to doubling that number during the Fall. It also says that hundreds of applications arrive each month and they are processed in order of receipt.  


Classes at CCDT



The Canadian Contemporary Dance Theatre (509 Parliament) has successfully launched its 2020 classes.  Its COVID-19 safety protocols are working and everyone is feeling safe - check out the photo.  Trial classes are underway for RAD Ballet, Limón Modern, Creative Movement, Jazz, Musical Theatre and Hip Hop.  The all-level Adult Modern is filling up fast.  Registrations will stay open through September.  For more info, call (416)  924-5657 or go to the website 


Cabbagetown Regent Park Museum Historical Tidbit



Image: St. Augustine’s Church, 1889 Toronto Public Library r-5776

by Sally Gibson

St Augustine’s Church on the northeast corner of Parliament and Spruce Streets had an up-and-down history. According to John Ross Robertson, the church was built in 1888 to serve Anglicans living in the east end of the city. It was an “exceedingly handsome brick structure in Gothic architecture” with a handsome stained glass window, no pew rents and room for five hundred worshipers.  It also had an enormous debt that the “scanty congregation” could not clear. Just four years after its first service, the mortgage-holder foreclosed and the church was closed in 1892. 

That was not the end of St Augustine’s. In 1903, $7,000 was raised to buy back the building and restore it as a high-Anglican church. This time, it prospered. One of its clergy later became Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada. The revived church purchased two adjacent Spruce Street houses for a parish house and a rectory. A south aisle was added in 1904. Services continued until March 26, 1931 when a fire destroyed the building. This time, no effort was made to resurrect it. 

Today, No Frills occupies the site. 


COMING EVENTS


Mill Street’s Farmers Market



The Mill Street Brew Pub is hosting an Organic Festival.  The Farmers Market featuring ten local organic farmers will be part of its events.  Saturday September 19, 10 am to 1 pm, 21 Tank House Lane, Distillery.


Plants for the lanes



Louis-Philippe Rochon is collecting plants for Calgie and Drovers Lane, the newly renovated neighbourhood lanes. He’s already secured 200 plants from the City of Toronto and he’s looking for more.  Drop off any extras that you wish to donate at 338 Berkeley. His planting target is the weekend of September 26-27.

  

Community environment days



This year’s Environment Day has been rescheduled.  It’s a drive-through event with health and safety protocols.  Our local Drop-Off Depot is 400 Commissioner Street and it happens on Sunday October 4 from 9 am to 1 pm.  The City of Toronto organizes these days to receive hazardous waste and to recycle used clothing, household goods, books and more.  To learn more about it, read the CBC’s story about the 2019 events.  For more info and for the locations of the other Drop-Off Depots, go to the website.  (Photo: James Morrison-Collalto/CBC)  
 


Local farmers markets



The autumn market is here with the year’s best produce - 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.


CityView Drive-in



CityView Drive-In (20 Polson) is a new venue for concerts and movies.  This week, it’s screening three TIFF films - on Thursday, Enemies of the State, on Friday, Bruised and on Saturday, The Water Man. Check out the website for more info and tickets.  


IN THE MEDIA


Healing as One



This organization put together gifts for Regent Park families as their kids returned to school.  Together with the federal government, the Yonge Street Mission, Penny Appeal Canada and Foodshare Toronto, they donated masks, PPE, back packs, school supplies and food boxes.  David Rider wrote about this campaign in the Toronto Star. (Photo: David Rider, Toronto Star)  


Le Beau in blogTO



Le Beau (665 Dundas E) opened its attractive storefront on Dundas in Regent Park in December 2019.  At that time, blogTO did a comprehensive report about its croissants and its menus.  Click here to read it.  (Photo:  Hector Vasquez, blogTO)   


BUSINESS NEWS


Yes, Kendall is Open



Yes, Kendall & Co (514 Parliament) is open and they are awesome! Email or call (416) 363-9914 and book your private appointment in the shop.  See the new collection of wool rugs, new vinyl floor mats, new wallpaper and new Canadian-made furniture. Check out new arrivals in store and online - gifts, candles and accessories. Open Tuesday to Saturday Noon to 5 pm. 


Daniel et Daniel open on Sundays



The Food Shop (248 Carlton) is now open on Sundays.  Open from Monday to Saturday from 9 am to 6 pm and Sundays 9 am to 5 pm.


New pillows at Spruce



Kim has just received a batch of colourful pillows - all shapes, sizes and textures.  Drop in to the store (455 Parliament) or go to her website for more info.  


RESTAURANT NEWS


Le Beau Croissanterie



Congrats to Olga Spivak for her welcoming Regent Park bakery, Le Beau Croissanterie (665 Dundas E).  She opened it last December, closed during the COVID lockdown and reopened in July.  She reports that business has been brisk since then.  
She studied and worked extensively with several leading chefs in France.  She chose her Regent Park location for her shop after surveying downtown Toronto neighbourhoods and deciding that the new developments here held great promise.  Most of her customers come from the surrounding buildings.

Her menu offers several croissant varieties, pastries, sandwiches as well as coffees, tea and other drinks.  Inside seating, outdoor patio and takeout services are available now.  Store hours - Wednesday to Sunday, 9 am to 5 pm.Click here to see her website.   


Welcome to Kibo Regent Park



Kibo (146 Sumach) has opened in Regent Park.  It’s well-known and enjoyed in Cabbagetown at its 533 Parliament location.   Check out its Facebook page for more info.


Congo Coffee & Beignets



Nifty new spot at 298 Gerrard E.  Renovations have been going on inside the front door but the service is still available.  The website says, “Congo Coffee Beignets are light, fluffy, airy, just a delight… a cross between funnel cake, pate à choux, hush puppies and donuts.” Open Monday to Friday from 10:30 am daily.  


Jet Fuel



Open from 6 am to 5 pm - for those who need a real jolt to start the day! 519 Parliament.


Mill Street’s organic festival



Mill Street (21 Tank House Lane, Distillery) has organized an organic festival, running now until September 25.  The menu includes organic offerings - from Yorkshire Valley Farms, Field Gate Organics, Homestead Farm, Planet Shrimp and Fred’s Bread.  Each entree is paired with a suggested brew.  


Brunch at DOVA



DOVA (229 Carlton) has launched its weekend brunch, 10 am to 2 pm on Saturdays and Sundays.  The menus and reservations are available on the website. (416) 901-3501.   

 

Tilted Dog



Join a live recording session with Stomp Down Rider.  Saturday September 19, 4 to 8 pm. The pub opens at 1 pm and the kitchen at 3 pm, Tuesday to Friday and the kitchen and pub open at 1 pm on the weekends.  424 Parliament


Peartree



This week’s specials at Peartree (507 Parliament) include Black Angus strip loin steak with poutine at $25.99, baked fillet of sole with spinach and goat cheese at $17.99 and roasted garlic chicken and shrimp penne at $17.99. The front and back patios are open.  For reservations, call (416) 962-8190.


Cyril’s soups and juices



The Fall season has arrived and Cyril is again making two different soups each week.  
On Saturday September 19, he’s making Spanish chickpea and sausage soup (three cups for $12 and four cups for $16.)  A vegetarian version is not available.  His juice is ginger, apple and plum (two cups, $9.)  The order deadline is noon on Friday September 18.

His soup for Tuesday September 22 is cocoa black bean (three cups for $9 and four cups for $12.)  The order deadline is also noon on Friday September 18.

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


CLUBS & PUBS – DAILY LISTINGS


Life is slowly returning at our pubs.  It’s fun to have this list active again.


THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 17 TO SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 27


For contact info about these clubs and restaurants, click on the link at the bottom of this page.  

If there's a cover charge or tickets are sold, the prices are listed.


SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 19


Mill Street Brew Pub

10 am to 1 pm, organic farmers market

Tilted Dog

4 to 8 pm, recording session with Stomp Down Rider


TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 22


Stout Irish Pub

7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia


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.