This week’s image: Friends of the Foundry held a Valentine’s Day rally and decorated the fence along Palace Street and Rolling Mills with 500 paper hearts. (Photo: Eliot Wright, Friends of the Foundry)
CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD
REVIEW
FEATURED LOCAL ARTIST
Alan Waterhouse
Alan first started to paint as an architecture student in Manchester when, long before computer-aided design, proposals were often accompanied by fully-rendered watercolour drawings. Since then, many of his paintings have been rendered on the spot, en plein-air, and enlivened by people and dogs. Others are recollections, abstractions, or watercoloured monoprints.
Walking south on Metcalfe
Watercolour on paper. I’m not alone in being attracted to the beautifully restored row of 19th century workmen’s cottages that enclose the north end of Metcalfe.
LOCAL NEWS
Updates about the Foundry
Take action - stop the demolition
Friends of the Foundry has set up a website and Facebook page. They’re continuing to pressure the provincial government and to pass along the latest news. Over 22,800 people have now signed its petition. Donations are welcome to pay for the court costs - by Thursday, almost $30,000 has been raised. There’s a suggested letter to Premier Doug Ford - it’s on the website and there are photos and updates to use on your personal Facebook and Instagram pages. (Photo: Friends of the Foundry)
The WINK is open
Weather conditions have been great and the new community skating rink in Winchester Park (Ontario and Prospect) is open for skaters of all ages. It’s free. Please make your same-day reservation (available at 8 am daily) at the WINK’s Facebook page in its About section and check out the COVID-19 regulations. The ice is shovelled and flooded every day. It’s natural ice - the rink is subject to temperature changes. Don’t forget the skate exchange - donate your skates in the box at St Jamestown Steak & Chops (516 Parliament). There’s a GoFundMe drive underway to defray costs - click here.
Cabbagetown Cares
The lunch campaign is a success. The Cabbagetown BIA together with Dixon Hall and St Luke’s United Church is providing lunch for our most vulnerable residents. The BIA recruited six restaurants to supply 100 healthy lunches to be distributed on Thursdays in Allan Gardens until February 25. A grant paid for this project. The BIA then set up a donation page to extend its life once the grant runs out and they now have over $2,400, enough for an extra four weeks. If you’d like to contribute, click here and use the code “Cabbagetown Cares” in the message box for St Luke’s United Church.
Until Further Notice
Tiffany Hsiung created a short film about Luke Donato, a Toronto chef with deep Cabbagetown roots who’s come up with a great way to handle the COVID-19 lockdowns. He’s offering Zoom cooking classes and in the process, creating a tight community of friends. Ms Hsiung’s film will debut at 8 pm EST on Thursday February 18 at the Yukon Film Society’s Available Light Festival. It’s also on CBC Gem. To celebrate, Chef Donato is hosting an online cooking session (with Canadian salmon teriyaki) - click here for the sign-up llnk.
Last minute opportunity
Cabbagetown Celebrates Love - spend an evening absorbing twelve romantic short films. The Cabbagetown Short Film Festival is screening a romantic special. Streaming continues to February 20. Once you start viewing, you can see each film at your leisure over three days. Tickets $10. Click here to buy your ticket and to see the program.
Carlton and Aberdeen conversions
Next Wednesday, Toronto and East York Community Council will discuss a motion to convert 230 and 232 Carlton and 33 and 39 Aberdeen from Toronto Community Housing properties to other social housing uses. The conversion will involve the management systems and won’t affect the physical appearance of the buildings or their uses as affordable housing. This is part of the ongoing Tenants First program that’s spinning off these stand-alone properties out of TCHC to eligible social service agencies. Staff will be directed to conduct community consultations with nearby residents and owners. (Photo of 230-232 Carlton, Bob Krawczyk)
Pop-up testing clinic
If you have worrisome symptoms or think you may have been in contact with someone who’s sick, visit the COVID testing clinic. From 1:30 to 4 pm on Wednesday February 24. 40 Oak Street in Regent Park. Bring an OHIP card (if available) or some other identification. No appointment needed. It’s a free service.
Vaccinations at Fudger House
Fudger House (439 Sherbourne) is one of ten long-term care homes directly operated by the City of Toronto. The first round of Moderna vaccinations were completed in all of them by January 21 and included the residents, health care workers and essential caregivers. By Sunday February 14, the second round was completed and over 90% of the residents in the ten homes were covered. It’s voluntary and clinics are continuing for anyone in the remainder who wants the shots.
St Lawrence community recreation centre
The Centre (230 Esplanade) is now open for exercise opportunities for people with disabilities. It has a fitness centre with accessible equipment and a gymnasium walk. Visits will be limited to 90 minutes and be subject to membership fees or pay-as-you-go fees. Please also bring a medical certificate. Call (416) 392-1347 to book an appointment. Open Monday to Friday, 9 am to 7 pm.
Updates from Suze Morrison
Ms Morrison is our member of the provincial legislature. She’s made tenants’ rights one of her priority issues. She prepared a private member’s bill to protect tenants facing eviction during the COVID-19 crisis. Government members voted against it. She has also just been nominated by her local riding association to be the official NDP candidate in the next provincial election. I asked why she had taken this step so early - almost a year and a half before the election - and she hasn’t replied.
Enoch Turner Schoolhouse panels
Throughout the Fall and early winter, Enoch Turner broadcast online panel discussions about various issues in contemporary education. These are now available online. Click here for the topics and links.
City of Toronto skating rinks
Riverdale Park East, Regent Park and Sherbourne Common are open from 10 am to 10 pm daily. During the COVID restrictions, outdoor rinks are still open with a 25-person limit. Change rooms and lockers are closed. You can make a reservation and confirm that the rinks are open at the City’s website. (Photo: Waterfront Toronto)
Cabbagetown Regent Park Museum Historical Tidbit
The Daniels Corporation and Sun Life have teamed up to offer 34 two- and three-bedroom units at affordable rents in the new EVOLV building near River and Shuter. The apartments are targetted for single mothers. The plan is backed up by a 40-year lease agreement with WoodGreen. Donovan Vincent has written about this unique program in the Toronto Star. (Photo: Steve Russell, Toronto Star)
Image: No 4 Fire Station,1871. John Ross Robertson, Vol.2.
By Sally Gibson
Until 1878 when the fire hall on Dundas east of Parliament was added, fires in our east end of Toronto were serviced by the fire station at Berkeley and Duke (now Adelaide) streets. Built in 1859 and remodeled in 1871, Fire Station No 4 boasted a watch tower, was plugged into the new telegraphic fire alarm system and housed one of the new-fangled steam engines that appeared on the scene around 1862. These marvels of modern technology used steam power to pump water much farther and faster than the old hand pumps. At first, however, the department didn’t have horses to pull the machines. When the alarm sounded, any nearby horse was quickly drafted into service, and the company was off with smoke streaming from the great black steam stack. It was only in 1874-5 that the Chief Engineer persuaded City powers to replace the old volunteer brigade with a full-time, paid brigade. In 1878, an ordinary fireman was paid a princely $480 per annum.
For more Cabbagetown history, photos and videos visit the CRPM Facebook page.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Two bedroom apartment needed
“We are looking for a two bedroom, furnished, pet friendly home in Cabbagetown May to October while our home is renovated. We need access to a backyard and are smoke/pot free, no friends over and exceedingly clean. Please contact fionn@istar.ca"
IN THE MEDIA
Low cost rentals in Regent Park
Annamie Paul is back
The federal Green Party leader has announced her plan to run in Toronto Centre riding in the next federal election. It’s her third try here - once as a regular candidate and once as the Green Party’s leader. Christopher Reynolds did a story for CBC News. (Photo: Adrian Wyld, The Canadian Press)
The First Parliament site
Rollo Myers and Ron Williamson have written an article for Spacing Magazine about the site. They detail its importance and the need to save it. Click here to read their account.
COVID outbreaks in homeless shelters
Four shelters experienced COVID-19 outbreaks by Wednesday February 10. Three are local facilities. 43 cases were identified at Seaton House (339 George Street), up from 20 a week previously. Maxwell Meighan and Dixon Hall have also seen outbreaks. The CBC’s story by Muriel Draasima outlines the steps that the shelters are taking together with Toronto Public Health. (Photo: Ivan Arsovski/CBC).
Fatality in fire at Corktown homeless encampment
A man died when his tent and wooden shelter caught fire on Wednesday morning. Fire crews reached the scene at 6 am. The encampment is set up in Orphans Green Park at Power and Adelaide. Click here for the CBC report. (Photo: Fabian Viani, CBC)
The Chechen Wolf
The Chechen Wolf, Arthur Biyarslanov, is now a super lightweight professional boxer. He got his start in the sport at the Cabbagetown Boxing Club at the age of 12. He went on to win the Gold Medal at the 2015 Pan-American Games in Toronto. He earned a berth on Canada’s Olympic team and fought in the Rio Games. He then turned pro. Click here to read Jamie Rebner’s story about him in The Queensberry Rules. (Photo: Instagram)
Business members in Cabbagetown and the staff at the BIA office have noticed the loyalty shown by area residents. The “shop local” spirit has taken hold here and it’s appreciated! To signal their thanks, they’ve created a poster campaign in stores and at the bus stop at Carlton.
BUSINESS NEWS
Thanks for shopping local
SpiritLeaf is open
SpiritLeaf (238 Carlton), Cabbagetown’s fourth cannabis store, is now open for business. Curbside pickup available - check the website for the cannabis products offered at the store.
Blooming Flower Bar
Blooming is moving from its Parliament Street shop to 194A Carlton. That’s the home for Velvet Lane Cakes and they’ll be sharing the space. All her other contact info remains the same. Watch on Instagram for great savings as Anji clears out her current location - @bloomingflowerbar.
Kendall & Co (514 Parliament) has upholstered furniture made right here in Toronto - sofas, arm chairs, dining chairs, benches, ottomans, beds, sofa beds. Available in fabric or leather of your choice like this tan butterscotch leather love seat, the latest arrival. Shop local with Kendall & Co for top quality furniture, rugs, drapery, window shades and wallpaper. The Design Team is available to meet you virtually to assist with your furnishings and decorating. Noon to 5 pm weekdays. Simply book your appointment by email or call (416) 363-9914 or go online.
Made local, shop Kendall
St James Town Steak & Chops
Mark is closed this week to February 21 for repairs and annual cleanups. He’s reopening on Monday February 22. 514 Parliament.
Regan’s O’Dogs Beef Dip has made blogTO’s top ten list of Toronto’s best comfort foods. “It’s a very fancy grilled cheese with lashings of roast beef, served with a huge slug of au jus. It’s the absolute best comfort food.” Open from 4:30 to 8:30 pm daily for takeout and delivery. 195 Carlton, (647) 350-4787.
RESTAURANT NEWS
Go to the restaurants’ websites and Facebook pages for the menus from your favourite places - click here for the contact list.
Congrats to The Irv
Vegan brunch
Paintbox (555 Dundas E) is offering its brunch from 10 am to 5 pm on Saturday and Sunday. Pick-up and local delivery. Check out the in-store specials of local products, pantry and essentials. Open Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4 pm and weekends from 10 am to 5 pm. Details online.
Stout’s weekend special
This weekend’s dinner at Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton) features 5 oz New York strip, Italian sausage and cajun grilled chicken breast with balsamic glazed onions and mushrooms, curried baked beans, dijon mustard champ potatoes and Stout’s house salad. Available Friday and Saturday. Two for $80 and one dinner for $40. Add a bottle of Villa Sandi pinot grigio for $25. Please order by Thursday by email to Madelaine at Stout or call (647) 344-7676. Pickup after 4 pm.
DOVA
Custom-made olive oil and cheeses are now in stock at DOVA (229 Carlton). The pantry shop has amazing choices. Available for pickup or delivery, 5 to 10 pm from Sunday to Wednesday and 5 to 11 pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Click here for more info.
Regular menu and daily features
F’Amelia (12 Amelia) is back in action - daily specials and pizza Wednesdays are available now. Check it out online at Facebook and on the website.
Cyril’s soups
Cyril is taking a break. It’s been forced on him by the closure of his packaging and small equipment supplier. As a result, he has virtually no containers left. He expects this to be a short delay - he’ll tell us next week. Email him to place your order.
There’s a business directory on the Cabbagetown BIA website with the COVID details listed beside each store’s info.
CONTACT INFO
COVID regulations for retail stores
Food services
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 to find your favourite.
