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.
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.
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.