This week’s image: These tough little plants sprouted in January, lived under the ice and snow and bloomed this week.
CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD
REVIEW
FEATURED LOCAL ARTIST
Lisa Sakulensky
Lisa Sakulensky is a Toronto based photographer who has lived in Cabbagetown since 1993. She’s been a professional photographer for more than 30 years. Her wide variety of clients in the educational and arts fields includes The Royal Conservatory of Music, Branksome Hall, and the University of Toronto. She’s known for her work producing images for authors, artist websites, corporate and editorial publications and live performances.
Lisa’s personal creative work focuses primarily on B&W documentary photography. Throughout her career, she’s been published in many books and exhibited in numerous professional shows. Lisa continues to photograph her surroundings with a keen interest in capturing everyday moments that may otherwise go unnoticed. She has her own website, Facebook and Instagram pages. She can be reached by email.
Bill Murray Koerner Hall, 2017
A PERSONAL VIEW
It’s as if the government wants to step back into the 1950s when they could pull a bunch of tricks and get away with it in front of a compliant public audience.
The Cabbagetown South Residents held a Zoom event to show you how to dig into the history of your house. Over 55 people attended. Robin Burgoyne from Caerwent House Stories talked about researching your home’s history. Gilles Huot discussed the different kinds of plaques in the neighbourhood and the interesting people who have lived here. Wallace Immen gave an update on the new heritage conservation district. Ms Burgoyne’s guide is available online at the Cabbagetown South website.
City Council’s Planning & Housing Committee has asked for a report on either buying or expropriating the properties from 214 to 230 Sherbourne. The plan involves creating deeply affordable social housing. If the property owner is willing and funding at the City is available, the General Manager is authorized to strike a conditional agreement to buy the properties. The Ontario Coalition against Poverty has been exerting pressure for this action - a CTV News reported on their campaign and the City’s responses.
Mark and Craig Kielburger have announced that they won’t be political footballs any longer - no more nice-guy stuff. After they said that, two more controversies exploded onto them. First, the Globe & Mail’s Geoffrey York reported that donors are angry over possibly misleading records about their gifts. Second, CBC’s Joan Bryden reported that the brothers have declined a request to appear at a House of Commons committee. (Photo: Christopher Katsarov, The Canadian Press).
The Toronto Star’s Matt Elliott has written an insightful column about the government’s sneaky tactics to destroy the Foundry. He’s added good information about the way that the local community has mobilized with a forceful voice in reply. Click here to read his column. (Photo: Steve Russell, Toronto Star)
Cyril’s struggles with his suppliers have settled down. This week, his soup is Indian lentil and tomato with onion and garlic, cumin and coriander, cinnamon and cayenne, salt and lime - all finished with coconut milk or, if you prefer, oat milk. 3 to 9 cups at $3/cup and 10 or more cups at $2.50/cup. His juice is orange and papaya with ginger and regular oranges along with blood oranges. 2 cups for $9. Order by email to him.
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.
Sorry - no thanks. Social media is full of scornful rejections about this approach whether it’s being used at the Foundry, the Wellesley Street cannabis store or the massive new highway proposed north of Toronto.
When he’s faced with such opposition, Mr Ford can be stubborn. He would be well-advised instead to respect a smart, sceptical public who believe that we should have an effective voice in shaping our local community’s future. (Photo: Friends of the Foundry)
By Wednesday March 3, over 23,000 people had signed the petition to stop the Foundry demolition and $30,600 had been donated. The donations cover the cost of court actions so far but they’re far from enough to pay for any future actions. The links for the petition and online donations are here.
LOCAL NEWS
Foundry progress report
Find out about your home
Dundas and Sherbourne
The Committee has also directed Toronto Community Housing to report on the issues involved in a full redevelopment of the Dan Harrison Community Complex (251 Sherbourne) by the final quarter of this year. TCHC and various housing bureaucrats are instructed to have a plan in place for this work by the first quarter of 2022.
The WINK is now closed for the season. Warm Spring-like weather has arrived. The structure will stay in place for a while and then be stored for reuse next year. The hay bales are, reportedly, heading to Green Thumbs Growing Kids as part of their composting. (Photo: Lindsay Matheson)
The end of the season
WINK supporters
Special thanks go to Trish Finkelstein and her family Andrew, Lily, Charlotte and Hope - she had the original idea and the skill to push it through. And to Mark Michelin at St James Town Steak & Chops for financing the purchase of the equipment. Ashley Winders and the Hugh Garner Co-op quickly agreed to provide storage space. Carolyn Jarman and her family and Dave and Rachael Kennedy - they sponsored, supplied and delivered the hay bales. A BIG thank you goes to the following neighbourhood volunteers: Laura Aaron, Michael Barkey, Steve Brearton, John & Marco De Fruscia, Bill Holy, Shawna King, Liz Kingstone, Lee & Lindsay Matheson, Ashley Pereira, Sam & Graham Richardson, Marc, Jen & Theo St Germain, Sandy, Finley & Jacob Ward and Garin Yaghdjian.
Wellesley cannabis store
As reported last week, local neighbours were given a form letter from the AGCO in reply to their concerns about the location of Little House cannabis store (307 Wellesley). Their subsequent complaints about the lack of a proper answer have recruited both Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam and Suze Morrison, MPP. Ms Morrison’s office has asked the MPP’s Liaison Office for a response that acknowledges the residents’ concerns.
Rupee’s new calf at Riverdale Farm
Rupee’s new calf is a beautiful Ayrshire male born in mid-February. Mom and calf are both doing well. As the weather warms up, she’ll come out into the cow paddock at the Farm for a few hours each day and you’ll be able to see them from the park. Thanks to Senga for this first bit of Spring-time news. 201 Winchester, east of Sumach.
Thanks to Fair Trade Jewellery
Robin Gambhir from Fair Trade Jewellery (523 Parliament) has announced his company’s financial support for the Aberdeen Sandwich Group. The Group has been preparing weekly lunches for residents at Dixon Hall. These funds will help to defray the expenses incurred by the volunteers in the project. FTJCo has made regular donations to food banks during the COVID crisis over the past year.
Metrolinx facility in the Don Valley
Metrolinx has plans to build a layover facility in the Don Valley just north of the Bloor viaduct. A petition has started to oppose this use of this location because of the damage that its industrial pollution will cause and because it will disrupt both recreational use and wildlife in the valley. Unfortunately, the petitioners think that a site near the Riverdale Park bridge will be a better location. Nevertheless, if you feel that it’s important to stop the facility, sign the petition here.
Cabbagetown cares
The Cabbagetown BIA has been distributing lunches to about 100 people in Allan Gardens over the past month. As a side benefit for this event, the Sherbourne Health Bus has been arriving. Staff on it distribute clean socks, bottled water and safety supplies. The event will continue on Thursdays through March.
City of Toronto skating rinks
The Regent Park and Riverdale Park East rinks are all open from 10 am to 10 pm daily. Sherbourne Common is listed as closed. The rinks are scheduled to stay open until Sunday March 21. 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)
Gerry Graves
Gerry Graves, 78, passed away in mid-February. He was an innovator in his two businesses, Re:Action and Re:Print (388 Parliament). He generously contributed his support and services to our local communities in Cabbagetown and Regent Park. He served on the Board at the Cabbagetown BIA and at the Cabbagetown Youth Centre and his business was a reliable sponsor for Blair’s Run. He will be missed. Click here to read his obituary in the Globe & Mail.
Cabbagetown Regent Park Museum Historical Tidbit
Image: 3-D Reconstruction of Upper Canada’s First Parliament Buildings On Fire (ASI Heritage).
The First Parliament Site - Part One of Two
By Sally Gibson
In April 1813, the Americans attacked and took Little York during the War of 1812. Its soldiers proceeded to loot, burn and plunder their way across the town between Fort York in the west and the Parliament Buildings and Blockhouse at the east end. The Parliament Buildings consisted of a protective Blockhouse (that did not protect them) and two, one-and-a-half storey red-brick buildings – one for the Legislative Council and the other for the Legislative Assembly. They were set in a north-south direction near Lake Ontario. The bricks were made across Taddle Creek in the area that would become the Distillery District. Here, early debates were held, legislation was passed and the foundations of future, more representative government were laid. But the public face of government stopped, temporarily, when the Americans destroyed its headquarters. As they left, the soldiers took a golden lion and the great mace, symbolic of Legislative authority. Fortunately, President Franklin D Roosevelt returned the mace in 1934.
For more Cabbagetown history, photos and videos visit the CRPM Facebook page.
IN THE MEDIA
The WE controversy is back
Matt Elliott writes about the Foundry demolition
Suppli on TVO
Rebecca Tucker did a story about Megan Takeda-Tully’s Suppli, the new company that offers reuseable food containers for restaurants’ takeout services. Click here to read it.
COMING EVENTS
Monday March 8, 7 pm. Guests from Metrolinx will talk about the new Ontario subway line and MPP Chris Glover will give an update about Queens Park. It’s a Zoom event - members of the GWNA will get an invitation and links by email.
Gooderham & Worts Annual meeting
Celebrate International Women’s Day
The St James Town Service Providers Network is celebrating the women who are making a difference during the COVID crisis. Personal stories, singers, spoken word and dancers. Monday March 8, 4 to 6 pm. It’s an online event - register here.
Green Thumbs Growing Kids virtual workshop
Learn how to make your own compost. 6:30 pm, Monday March 15. Free. Pre-register here.
The School of Toronto Dance Theatre
March 11 and 12 online at 8 pm. The graduating class presents “Here in sonder”, an online choreographic workshop of unique new dance films. Live streamed by Crowdcast and available online until March 14. Tickets are $12 general admission and $7 for students, seniors and arts workers. Click here to register - your link will be emailed 48 hours before the event.
Virtual cooking class
Chef Karen O’Connor from Daniel et Daniel (248 Carlton) is leading a virtual cooking class at 6 pm on Thursday March 18. Presented with Ocean Wise and Ripley’s Aquarium and broadcast live from the Aquarium. She’ll use an exclusive recipe from the Ocean Wise digital cookbook - smoked scallops with green apple and bacon vinaigrette. $30. Register here - your link will be sent to you on Thursday March 18. Click here for more info and for a list of the ingredients that you’ll need for this recipe.
Lisa Teira and Jorge Alexis Forto Ferias have opened The Frame Maker at 527 Parliament. It’s their third location. They offer framing and printing services. Open Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm and Sundays from 11 am to 4 pm.
BUSINESS NEWS
Welcome to The Frame Maker
Made Local. Shop Kendall
Kendall & Co’s upholstered furniture (sofas, arm chairs, dining chairs, benches, ottomans, beds, sofa beds) is made here in Toronto. Available in fabric or leather of your choice, like their latest arrival in tan butterscotch leather. See other gorgeous new styles by visiting their website. Take advantage of their sale on select floor models as they make room for new inventory. Shop local with Kendall & Co for top quality furniture, rugs, drapery, window shades and wallpaper. Their Design Team is available to meet virtually with you to assist with your furnishings and decorating needs. Noon to 5 pm weekdays. Simply book appointment by email or call (416) 363-9914.
RESTAURANT NEWS
On March 1, Regan and The Irv (195 Carlton) celebrated their 7th anniversary. A popular spot - well deserved. May you enjoy many many more birthdays. Regan has been a vocal advocate for his pub in the midst of the struggles that COVID has brought.
Get on the list
If you like food and you’re addicted to information from good food providers, here’s a list of really nifty emails where you can subscribe and satisfy your cravings -
Cyril. His emails are usually short and witty essays and he also manages to work in his announcements about his soups and juices. abeautifulbowl@gmail.com
F’Amelia. Another witty way to find out what’s offered. This list is a collection of the daily specials from one of Cabbagetown’s leading restaurants. You’ll love them all. info@famelia.ca
Stout Irish Pub. Erin has two restaurants and her emails tell you the weekend specials at both of them. erin@louisciferbrewworks.com
Tasso. Not an email but a website that you should bookmark . Check it out early in the week if you want to know what’s offered. Be quick, they sell out fast. https://tassobaking.com
Congrats to The Irv
Cranberries
Cranberries’ daily specials are posted online. Each day brings new dishes. Check out the menu here. (416) 925-6330. 601 Parliament.
The Otto is back
Mark at St James Town Steak & Chops (516 Parliament) has new stock of The Otto - a single estate extra virgin olive oil. He says it’s amazing and recommends it for pesto, salads, stews and seafood.
Stout’s weekly special
For Friday, Saturday and Sunday, cheddar studded meat loaf in a creamy mushroom sauce. Served with green beans, baked potato and a house salad. Dinner for two at $50 and single dinner, $26. Add a bottle of Pinot Grigio for $25. Order at (647) 344-7676 or email to Madeleine. 221 Carlton.
DOVA
Last week, DOVA was part of the Cabbagetown Cares project, preparing 100 lunches for people in Allan Gardens. (416) 901-3501 and email. 243 Carlton.
Terroni
Try the salmon burger - with salmon, lemon and parsley. Available at the Terroni’s store (22 Sackville) It’s great place with lots of fresh pasta, specials, wines and more.
Reyna on King
Another burger - this one is a falafel burger. Pair it with bottled cocktails and Reyna fries. (354 King E)
Cyril aka Souperman
CONTACT INFO
Food services
