October 29

This week’s image: This year’s Hallowe’en will be strange but homeowners in Cabbagetown are still decorating their yards.




CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD 

REVIEW




FEATURED LOCAL ARTIST


Steve Yeates

Steve describes his art, “I enjoy my disciplined commercial work but get the most pleasure from looser ink and watercolour sketching, often on the spot. The almost zen act of observing and understanding what I’m seeing is as satisfying as producing the image itself.” 

Instagram: Velociguy   website: steveyeates.ca


Egyptian Cat

This image was commissioned as a gift to the owner of this crazy calico Egyptian Cat. I can only imagine its personality. Ink and watercolour on watercolour paper,  6 x 9” 

A PERSONAL VIEW


Congratulations to Marci Ien for her victory here in Toronto Centre in Monday’s federal by-election.  She says that homelessness and affordable housing will be her priorities as our Member of Parliament. We’ll look forward to good things from her in Ottawa. 

There was one high point in the election - the outstanding candidacies of Marci Ien and Annamie Paul.  They’re strong, dedicated women and each would be a good choice.

Otherwise, there’s little to say for the campaign.  Ms Ien was dropped in here without a whisper of local democracy.  Brian Chang, the NDP candidate, stayed in the race despite requests for his withdrawal - a courtesy that the Greens gave to Mr Singh in his election.  And what is there to say about the Conservative who literally didn’t even show up - a remarkable display of arrogance on his part and from his party.

The election itself was too short and sudden - no doubt a deliberate move by the Prime Minister to avoid a bruising effort in a sure-win riding.  

Voters responded in kind.  Only 31% came out to vote.


LOCAL NEWS


Hallowe’en trick or treats

The Ontario Ministry of Health advises against door-to-door trick or treats for kids in Toronto.  This is tough - we get hundreds of kids cruising through the neighbourhood on a regular Hallowe’en night.  There’s a good segment on CBC News about our options and about recommended behaviour for the kids.  Check it out here.

Ray Prince

Ray passed away last week at the age of 88.  He was an amazing wood turner. His beautiful bowls, boxes and furniture can be seen on his website. A long-time Cabbagetown resident, he served on the Board of Cabbagetown Art & Crafts. He held memberships in several major craft organizations.  He was a proud owner of his bright red TR4 and was active in the Toronto Triumph Club. Our sympathies go to his wife, Dominique and his Cabbagetown neighbours and friends.  

By-election results

Here are the results from Elections Canada - 
Marci Ien, Liberal - 10,579, 42% 

Annamie Paul, Green Party - 8,250, 32.7%

Brian Chang, NDP - 4,280,  17%

Benjamin Sharma, Conservative - 1,435, 5.7%

Turnout statistics - 81.400 registered voters, 25,203 votes cast (30.9%) 


Thanks to the Aberdeen Sandwich Group

Every week, a group of Aberdeen Ave residents prepares sandwiches and other goodies for Dixon Hall residents.  The campaign was first organized by Michael Guenther and Victoria Hadden during the pandemic shutdowns last Spring.  It’s continued every week since then.  On Tuesday, the CBC came to Aberdeen for a broadcast piece for its Meet The Neighbours  segment.  Congrats everyone and thanks for your constant generosity.  Watch the CBC’s Tonight program at 6 pm on Thursday for the story.  And click here to read the report from CBC News.  


Children’s Book Bank

The Book Bank’s (350 Berkeley at Gerrard) November schedule has been published.  Drop-ins happen on Monday (3 to 6 pm), Tuesday (10 am to 6 pm), Wednesday (10 am to 6 pm) and Saturday (10 am to 6 pm).  Groups are welcome on Thursday (10 am to 4 pm).  Closed Friday and Sunday.  Masks and hand sanitizing required.  

Get your flu shot

Add the Pharmasave (290 Shuter at Parliament) as another spot where you can get your shot along with our local Shopper’s Drug Mart and Rexall outlets.  Thanks to Brett House for the tip - he says it was quick and easy.  (Photo:  Brett House).

233 Carlton

Jordan Allison refuses to quit.  He’s been asking officials at City Hall about the leasing decisions for 233 Carlton since early September.  He’s not alone on this topic.  Many local residents are wondering about the details of this deal.  He sent several emails and politely told City staff that he wasn’t going away.  Alison Folosea, the director of Transaction Services in Corporate Real Estate finally answered him.  She just dismissed his views, “It is not the City's practice to publicly share detailed analysis of the comparables and/or appraisals reports.  We have, and continue to work to provide transparency around this transaction up to the limits of what is permissible to be disclosed publicly.” 

Board member wanted

The Cabbagetown Residents’ Association is looking for a volunteer to join its Board.  This person will handle the environmental and social  portfolio.  You’ll be asked to dedicate a few hours each month to the CRA’s business and Board meetings.  For more info, email Sean O’Donovan. 

Support the CCDT

The Canadian Contemporary Dance Theatre (509 Parliament) is selling poinsettias for its Christmas fundraiser.  Order yours before Tuesday November 10 for pick-up on Friday December 4. Proceeds go to the CCDT’s 2020 and 2021 program including two new dance films, studio work with guest choreographers, work shops for a new commission for Winter Song and more.  6” pot for $12, 8” pot for $22 and 10” pot for $32 - call (416) 924-5657. 

Coyotes in the Necropolis

Bev Jenkins snapped this photo of a coyote wandering through the grave yard.  They seem to be here in abundance this year.  A group of them are yowling in St James cemetery every night.  Others have been seen along the ravines into Rosedale Valley and the Don Valley.  Keep your cats and small dogs under control - otherwise, the coyotes are harmless. (Photo:  Bev Jenkins).

Lookin’ good

Ken and Bob sit outside early in the evening every day.  They see their friends and share lots of gossip.  That’s not a 1970s fern bar, it’s their front porch.  They’re outside because they have to harden up - this’ll be their first winter in Canada in a dozen years.

Cabbagetown Regent Park Museum Historical Tidbit

Image:  Joseph Burr Tyrrell, Necropolis

On All Hallows’ Eve (this year’s COVID-stunted Hallowe’en), expect a surprise over at the Necropolis. Around midnight, out of the west, a ghostly Albertosaurus dinosaur will appear making his way toward the grave of his old friend and discoverer, Joseph Burr Tyrrell (1858-1957). Albertosaurus is the small cousin of Tyrannosaurus Rex, with similar huge head, powerful jaws, tiny front legs, but huge hind legs and long tail. He grew over 30 feet long, stood about 11 feet tall at the hips (much taller when standing upright on his hind legs), had a walking speed of 14 to 21 kph (hardly “lumbering”), and thrived 70 million years ago when the area was a lush tropical forest. Their friendship was forged in June 1884, when the 25-year-old explorer, geologist, and cartographer was leading an expedition of the Geological Survey of Canada north and east of Calgary. On June 9, “I looked up and here was this great ugly face looking at me.” Tyrrell often reminisced. He had discovered the first complete dinosaur fossil uncovered in Canada and found his place in history.


COMING EVENTS


Last chance to enjoy River and Bayview on your bike

It’s the last closure for the year so get out there and enjoy a fun ride without cars.  River Street from Gerrard to Bayview and Bayview from Rosedale Valley Road to Front will be closed over the weekend to give cyclists a safe route to the lakeshore.  From 6 am on Saturday October 31 to 11 pm on Sunday November 1.  It’s part of the Active TO program.

Corktown monthly meeting

Join the Corktown group from 8 to 9 pm on Tuesday November 3 to hear Todd Gowan from Toronto Police Services, MPP Chris Glover and Perry Perlmutter from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business.  It’s a Zoom event - click here to register. 

IN THE MEDIA


Marci Ien on YouTube 

CTV News posted a YouTube video of a post-election press conference with our new Member of Parliament, Marci Ien.  She shows the warmth and the smarts that made her a good candidate and a worthy successor to a long line of talented MPs from our riding.  Click here to see it.

Lessons learned from the by-election

NOW Magazine’s Enzo DiMatteo looks at the campaign and the results through a refreshingly cynical eye.  His article is full of the kind of tidbits that political junkies love.  Click here to read his insights. (Photo:  NOW Magazine).

Provincial override at the West Don Lands

The Ford government has used its power to override the planning system in the West Don Lands.  Three sites belonging to the provincial government have been removed from the planning process.  On the one hand, City officials worry that this is just the start and that other sites across Toronto will also be affected.  The CBC has a report on this issue and the City’s response.  On the other hand, the Globe & Mail’s architecture critic Alex Bozikovic has a different view.  (Image: architects Henning Larsen, Globe & Mail).   

Four new bridges for the Port Lands

This is the first of four beautiful new bridges destined for the Port Lands.  They’re being built in Dartmouth Nova Scotia and will be shipped here by barge.  The Star’s Steve McKinley has written about the four bridges and their design history - click here for his story and his dramatic photos.  (Photo:  Steve McKinley, Toronto Star).
  

BUSINESS NEWS


Suppli

Over the past few weeks, Megan Takeda-Tully’s new project to replace wasteful take-out containers with her reuseable ones has been rolling out into local restaurants.  Here’s a testimonial from Lindsay on the Cabbagetown Parents Facebook page, “We used Suppli for the first time this weekend (and ordered from Haldi for the first time because they use Suppli) and it was SO great.  We got 10 containers of food and everything was still warm and best of all - no garbage! .…  We rinsed the containers and will now have them picked up - so so easy.  Highly recommend (and Haldi too!) Megan Takeda-Tully - Thank you!”  

Halloween is blowing up

Less scary than COVID and ‘way more fun, these Halloween balloon craft kits at Kendall & Co (514 Parliament) will keep your little goblins enjoying this ghoulish tradition. Each kit contains all your balloons and self-adhesive decorations for Skull, Jack O'Lantern, Witch and Ghost. They’re a simple and easy backdrop to zoom with friends this holiday. Shop in-store by appointment Tuesday to Saturday, noon to 6 pm - call (416) 363-9914 or email.   Click here to buy online now. Free delivery within Cabbagetown.
  

RESTAURANT NEWS


Outdoor patios

The patios that line Parliament Street are part of the CafeTO program that enabled restaurants to expand their outdoor operations.  Starting from November 16, the patios along the street will close to make way for winter snowplowing.  

Cranberries’ daily takeout menu

Every day, Cranberries (601 Parliament) offers new specials for take-outs along with its regular menu.  You can decide on shepherd’s pie (Sunday and Monday) or blackened salmon (Tuesday),  Black Angus steak (Wednesday), Kashmiri chicken curry (Thursday), rib steak with soup or salad (Friday) and BBQ ribs and wings or seafood fusilli and soup or salad (Saturday).  Call (416) 925-6330 and check it out online

Mystic Michael at the HoP

Mystic Michael returns to the House on Parliament (454 Parliament) for his Hallowe’en Tarot card readings on Saturday October 31 from 5 pm.  This time, he’ll be outside at the street patio.  It’ll be safe, social distanced and sanitized - masks mandatory during the readings.

F’Amelia’s Hallowe’en special

F’Amelia (12 Amelia) is preparing a Hallowe’en take-out special - one bottle of red or white wine, four pizzas, tiramisu and cake pops for the kids.  $150.  Order now and pick-up on Saturday October 31.  And don’t forget - every Sunday,  Monday and Tuesday, pick-up a bottle of Sangre de Toro Cabernet Sauvignon and two pizzas for $69 (and get two free glasses).   Call (416) 323-0666 or email

DOVA’s online ordering

DOVA (229 Carlton) now has a select menu for pick-up and delivery options.  Click on the website and follow the menu bar at the top of the page.  

The Irv wants to thank you

The Irv (195 Carlton) received this heater on Wednesday. It’s an anonymous gift.  They hope that the donor will contact them so they can thank her/him personally.  The patio is open daily and it’s warmer now!

Tasso Baking

Mike and Olya are taking a break.  Tasso Baking (540 Parliament) is closed now for the remainder of 2020.  Check online for announcements on reopening.

Cyril’s soups

Cyril is continuing with his shorter schedule - one soup and juice each week.  For Saturday October 31, he’s preparing potato and garlic soup with water, milk and cream or coconut milk for non-dairy.  He says that it’s one of his favourites, particularly when he needs something soothing.  $9 for 3 cups and $12 for 4 cups.  His juice is mango, peach and cranberry, $9 for 2 cups.  Email him to place your order. 

COVID-19 closures

Inside dining at all of our pubs and restaurants has now been shut down.  Check your favourite place for news about pick-ups, take-outs and patio service. Check as well about wine and beer delivery and pick-ups.  For a list of our local restaurants with email, website, address and phone contact info, click here.  


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. 

October 22

 This week’s image: the restoration work on the facade at the Winchester is finished and it looks terrific.




CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD 

REVIEW



FEATURED LOCAL ARTIST


Steve Yeates

Steve describes his art, “I enjoy my disciplined commercial work but get the most pleasure from looser ink and watercolour sketching, often on the spot. The almost zen act of observing and understanding what I’m seeing is as satisfying as producing the image itself.” 

Instagram: Velociguy   website: steveyeates.ca


Park Snacks

During the 2018 Cabbagetown Festival I had fun standing, drawing and observing Park Snacks and the to-and-fro of its visitors. Ink and watercolour on watercolour paper, 6 x 9” 


A PERSONAL VIEW


The federal by-election for Toronto Centre happens on Monday.  Don’t miss it.  

By-elections are normally ho-hum affairs and the results don’t affect Ottawa’s routines.  This one is different.  For the Liberal government in a minority parliament, each seat is vital.  For the Greens, a new leader is knocking on parliament’s door.  For the NDP and Conservatives, their voices have a unique opportunity to be heard effectively.

Check your voter’s information card - it should have arrived in the mail - to see where you vote.  If you can’t find it or if you have other questions, go to the Elections Canada website for answers.  9 am to 9 pm, Monday October 26.


LOCAL NEWS


By-election News - campaign videos

Annamie Paul, Green Party - https://www.annamiepaul.ca 

Brian Chang, NDP - https://www.brianchang.ca

Short videos from each campaign introducing their candidate - each one is worth a look. Silence, still, from the Conservative Party. These links take you to the candidates’ websites.  Scroll down the page to find the videos.


Get your flu shot

Toronto Public Health has opened a vaccination clinic in the Metro Convention Centre (North Building, Front and John, west ramp).  You must make an appointment to get your shot and follow the rules at the clinic.  The details are online here.
Doctors and local pharmacies are also available.  Book an appointment - supplies may be temporarily limited. Shoppers Drug Mart (467 Parliament, 565 Sherbourne and 593 Dundas E) and Rexall (539 Parliament, 345 Bloor E and 63 Wellesley E). 


The Winchester

The scaffolding is off the building (Parliament and Winchester) and the restored facade is now visible.  It’s a great job. There’s also a new project peaking up above the roofline.  It’s a new version of the cupola that once graced the front.  When completed, it’ll be placed on the turret.  Congrats to everyone involved for a fine job and thanks for this careful renewal of this vintage Cabbagetown landmark.

Daycare project is in a quagmire

A decision about the plans for the daycare at Sackville and Amelia was issued by the Toronto Local Appeal Body in the summer.  The City of Toronto and the neighbours who oppose the project are getting a TLAB review of this decision which is now underway.  The City has submitted its comments and Robert Ulicki, the property owner, has until October 28 to reply.  There are, however, additional concerns about the official conducting the review, Ted Yao, who may have to withdraw and a third official appointed to make the review.  If the ultimate review favours Mr Ulicki, the City and the opposing neighbours have reserved the right to appeal to the courts.  Mr Ulicki has not decided what he’ll do if the decision goes against him. In the meantime, local child care workers know a good thing when they see it - they often take advantage of the property’s front porch to get out of the rain.  (Photo:  Judy Hillmer). 

233 Carlton

The Cabbagetown Coalition led by Howard Bortenstein has launched an appeal against the decision to locate a woman’s respite centre at 233 Carlton.  The one-day hearing at the Toronto Local Appeal Body has been scheduled for January 27.

Support the CCDT

The Canadian Contemporary Dance Theatre (509 Parliament) is selling poinsettias for its Christmas fundraiser.  Proceeds go to the CCDT’s 2020 and 2021 program including two new dance films, studio work with guest choreographers, work shops for a new commission for Winter Song and more.  6” pot for $12, 8” pot for $22 and 10” pot for $32. Order yours before Tuesday November 10 and pick it up on Friday December 4 - call (416) 924-5657. 

Success for Blair’s Run

Blair’s Run has now received almost $25,000 in donations from the community to support the Cabbagetown Youth Centre and the Toronto Kiwanis Boys & Girls Club.  It’s a remarkable success. Congrats to Marilyn Tully, Brenda Brown McNee, the various street captains and the team leaders - all of you made this possible. 

The Toronto tunnel monster

Claire wants to know more about Cabbagetown’s tunnel monster.  Anyone with more info is welcome to comment.  Sightings date back to Ernest’s experiences in a hidden tunnel off Parliament Street and a 1979 report in the Toronto Sun.  A subsequent story in 2013 in Torontoist tells of a hidden alien city buried beneath Cabbagetown.  Check out these accounts here.  

City parks

The Allan Gardens Conservatory (Carlton and Jarvis) is closed as part of the City’s campaign to limit the spread of COVID-19.  The playground and off-leash dog area are still open.  The outdoor areas at Riverdale Farm (Winchester and Sumach) are open.  The Parliament Street Library (269 Gerrard E) is open from 9 am to 8:30 pm, Monday to Friday and 9 am to 5 pm on Saturday - closed Sunday.

Congrats to 333 Wellesley St East

The 2020 Peggy Kurtin Award for Excellence in Restoration by the Cabbagetown Preservation Association goes to the owners of this fine house.  Its facade was given a heritage red brick and single hung wood windows were installed at the original window openings.  The front door, a wood porch and a stone sidewalk were newly built.  The Honourable Mention goes to 402 Wellesley Street East.

COMING EVENTS


Bev Jenkins at One Of A Kind

One Of A Kind, Toronto’s premier craft and art show, has returned this year in a virtual format.  It’s running from Thursday October 22 to Sunday December 20.  Over 700 artisans are part of the show, including Bev Jenkins.  She’s had very good responses to her page - she was putting it together online when her first order arrived.  Click here to see her page and here to visit the full website.

Weekend bike routes

River Street from Gerrard to Bayview and Bayview from Rosedale Valley Road to Front will be closed over the weekend to give cyclists a safe route to the lakeshore.  From 6 am on Saturday October 24 to 11 pm on Monday October 25.  It’s part of the Active TO program.

IN THE MEDIA


Neighbours in the news

The October edition of the Parliament Street News includes a story about four local business owners - familiar faces for all of us.  Anita Bostock and Norman Hathaway have written “Getting to know you” - good stories.  Click here to read it.  

Metrolinx in the Don Valley

Metrolinx is planning a GO layover station beneath the Bloor Street viaduct beside the Don River.  It will store up to three GO trains and ease pressure on Union Station.  Construction will start in 2022.  Despite opposition by local conservationists and a Toronto Star article, public awareness of this plan is very low. (Map from The Toronto Star)  

BUSINESS NEWS


Suppli

Megan Takeda-Tully’s new project to replace plastic containers with reuseable steel ones is getting stronger.  Suppli provides the stainless steel containers for take-out food to restaurants and then picks them up from the customers when they’ve finished their meals.  By Tuesday, four local restaurants had joined - Gushi (296 Gerrard E at Parliament), Noushe (200 Carlton), Haldi (568 Parliament) and Shalom (587 Parliament).  

Hallowe'en is blowing up

Less scary than COVID and ‘way more fun, these #halloween balloon craft kits at Kendall & Co (514 Parliament) will keep your little goblins enjoying this ghoulish tradition. Each kit contains all your balloons and self-adhesive decorations for Skull, Jack O'Lantern, Witch and Ghost. They’re a simple and easy backdrop to zoom with friends this holiday. Shop in-store by appointment Tuesday to Saturday, noon to 6 pm.  Click here to buy online now. Free delivery within #cabbagetown - call (416) 363-9914 or email

The BIA has a new colour

Rick got on a ladder and painted the outside of the Cabbagetown BIA office (237 Carlton).  Along with its graffiti clean-ups, the BIA is giving Cabbagetown a totally fresh new look.  Thanks Rick

RESTAURANT NEWS


Media comments

blogTO just published a list of ten Toronto restaurants recommended for their roast beef dinners.  House on Parliament (454 Parliament) is on the list.
Toronto Life’s latest print edition celebrates reasons to love Toronto.  Among them, amazing restaurants that are just opening. DOVA (229 Carlton) is included, 


COVID-19 closures

Inside dining at all of our pubs and restaurants has now been shut down.  Check your favourite place for news about pick-ups, take-outs and patio service. Check as well about wine and beer delivery and pick-ups.  For a list of our local restaurants with email, website, address and phone contact info, click here.   


Restaurants adjusting to the shutdown

DOVA (229 Carlton) has a great rear patio.  They’re weatherproofing it with a tent so their diners can relax outside.
Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton) will give you a blanket for $3.95 and there’s a menu special for a toddy, toast and a blanket at $15.
The Irv (195 Carlton) is highlighting comfort food and complete meals for pick-up and take-out.  Mac ’n cheese, shepherds pie, lasagna and burgers.  
F’Amelia (12 Amelia) has opened a specialty shop with pizza kits, sauces, marinated olives, maraschino cherries, candied walnuts, soup and more.  Plus a bottle of wine to go with it. The outdoor patio has a heated area.
Peartree’s (507 Parliament) patio is cozy and heated. 
House on Parliament (454 Parliament) is bringing out its popular meat pies and tortiere.
Cluny (35 Tank House Lane, Distillery) invites you to bring your own blanket and enjoy brunch on the cobblestones in its heated patio.
The Tilted Dog (424 Parliament) will serve your meal outdoors on the patio for as long as you can survive the weather.


Congrats Haldi

Haldi celebrates its first one-year anniversary on Thursday October 22.  Harish and Devesh have written, “We want to thank each and every one of you for your ongoing support and love. Like many businesses, we have survived because of our customers and without all of you, we wouldn’t be here celebrating our one year anniversary. Thank you for allowing us to become a part of the community.”

Peartree’s specials

This week’s features at Peartree (509 Parliament) include beef strip loin stir fry at $17.99, baked rainbow trout, $17.99 and Italian hot sausage and chicken penne pasta, $17.99. 507 Parliament

Cyril’s soups

Cyril is continuing with his shorter schedule - one soup and juice each week.  For Saturday October 24, he’s preparing turmeric, sweet potato and lentil soup with onions, celery, garlic, ginger and turnips.  And some wilted spinach, veggie stock and coconut milk.  $9 for 3 cups and $12 for 4 cups.  His juice - which he personally really likes -  is pear, pomegranate and ginger, $9 for 2 cups.  Email him to place your order.   

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.