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.