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
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. 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.
