July 29

 This week’s image:  A few years ago, Wellesley Park was an empty field.  Not any more.  People come here for picnics, for the kids’ playground and splash pad, for pickle ball and a lot more.





CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD REVIEW 



FEATURED LOCAL ARTIST


Martha Preston

Martha sent along an extra image so both of her final selections are included this week. She says, “I wasn't sure what to paint. I splattered lots of colours and found some of my favourite flowers in line-and-wash.” She’s online - check out her Instagram and Facebook pages.

Potted Orchid 

“This is a rendition of my orchid that sits on my front bay window and has been giving me endless blooms for the past 7 years.”

LOCAL NEWS 

Sydney at the Olympics

Sydney Payne is in Tokyo as part of Canada’s Women’s Eight rowing team. She's the second rower from the right in the image  They’re racing tonight in their event’s gold medal final against four other boats.  It’s a 2000 metre course that Canada has conquered twice before with impressive results.  In their heat on Saturday, they came within .30 seconds of the winners.  In the repechage on Tuesday, they were .75 seconds behind the winner and the first three boats all surpassed the world record speed for that distance.  The medal finals are on Thursday July 29 at 9 pm.  (Photo:  Kelly Rogers)

Shots are still available

In Cabbagetown, both Rexall (539 Parliament) and Shoppers Drug Mart (467 Parliament) have an ample supply of Pfizer and Shoppers also has Moderna.  Check other locations close to you - in Regent Park, Shoppers Drug Mart at 593 Dundas E, in  St James Town, the Shoppers at 565 Sherbourne, in Corktown, the Shoppers at 351 Queen E.  The stores are accepting walk-ins plus you can check the websites for Rexall and Shoppers to get times and details and to make appointments.

Welcome Virginia

Virginia Gallop has been appointed the new executive director at the Cabbagetown BIA, replacing Rick Matthews who resigned a few weeks ago.  She’s a good choice.  She comes from a career with non-profit groups and she has lots of experience in the Cabbagetown neighbourhood. Her immediate priorities include bringing live music to the street, working on the new streetscape plan, moving out of the COVID restrictions, expanding the retailers’ digital presence, developing plans for next year’s street festival and continuing the BIA’s current programs.  Best wishes for all of this, Virginia.

CafeTO Artwalk

The BIA has sponsored streetside patio spaces in front of a dozen restaurants for the summer.  The fences around each patio are decorated by works done by local Toronto artists.  F’Amelia’s panels (12 Amelia) were done by Gabrielle Lasporte.  You can see more info about the artists at each location on the BIA’s website.

Allan Gardens

The Conservatory (19 Horticultural Ave, Carlton and Jarvis)  is now open again from 10 am to 4 pm daily.  The Palm Room is undergoing some repairs and its plants were moved elsewhere in the Conservatory.  Everything will be rearranged when the work is done. Some Covid restrictions apply - check out the Conservatory Facebook page.

This week at the Farmers’ Markets

Fresh produce is now overflowing at the booths in both Markets - cauliflower, broccoli, rapini, spinach, radishes, leeks, potatoes, sweet corn and more.  You can even get cabbages at the Cabbagetown market.  There have been hints that tomatoes will be coming soon.  Kudos to the farmers and organizers for their determination in the face of the rain storms. 

Weekend cycling routes

These road closures happen from Saturday morning at 6 am to Sunday evening at 9 pm on the weekend.  Bayview and River Street are not included this week on the City’s closure list but there is an ample bike lane on each one.  Lake Shore West (east bound lanes) from Windemere to Stadium Road, Lake Shore East (east bound lanes) from Leslie to Kew Beach Avenue.  (Photo:  Robin Pueyo)

Foundry progress report

By Thursday July 29,  23,435 people had signed the petition to stop the Foundry demolition and $33,291 had been donated to the Legal Defence Fund.  The links for the petition and online donations are here.  

Lost & Found bins

There’s a bunch of homeless garbage bins at The Beer Store (227 Gerrard).  They were collected from nearby lanes.  Check them out if yours is missing. (Photo:  Jeff Lookkong)

Squirrel’s nest

Pat found a squirrel’s nest on her Alpha Ave window sill.  It’s the second one to appear this year.  Surprisingly, they cause a lot of damage to the window sill and frame - they chew at the filler used for repairs and at the paint.(Photo: Pero Celap)

IN THE MEDIA

294 Sherbourne

An application has been submitted to the City of Toronto to build a students’ residence at 294 Sherbourne, just south of Gerrard. The proposal calls for a seven storey tower sitting on top of a three storey podium for a total height of 37.45 metres.  It’ll house 153 rental units (128 studios and 25 two bedroom units) designed specifically for students.  Click here to read Urban Toronto’s report. (Image:  Submission to the City of Toronto)

Heart2Heart

Heart2Heart (216 Carlton) provides peer support training to people who are likely to encounter individuals in opioid overdose crisis.  Since June, 75 people have received this training.  The Financial Post posted a story about its program - click here to read it.

New plans for Quayside

Sidewalk Labs was previously involved in plans to develop the Quayside property on the waterfront at the foot of Parliament Street.  That project failed.  Waterfront Toronto now has bids to develop the area from four large local developers - Daniels with Hullmark, Hines with Tridel, Kilmer with Mattamy and Tricon and Dream with Great Gulf.  David Rider has written in the Toronto Star about the project and the proposals.  (Photo:  Waterfront Toronto)

BUSINESS NEWS

Special offer from PSF

Parliament Street Fitness (488 Parliament) has membership promo - $99/month to the end of December.  It’s a good deal, down from $120.  Caroline, a local fitness buff, loves PSF’s outdoor activities in the parks - check out the weekly schedule in the events calendar below.

Summer holidays at St James Town Steak & Chops

Stock up on your supplies now because St James Town (516 Parliament) will close for its summer holiday from August 1 to August 8.  Reopening on Monday August 9.  Get some of these PEI ribeye steaks - beautifully marbled and ready for your bbq.  516 Parliament.  

The system at Tasso

Tasso (540 Parliament) is using its website to serve its customers more conveniently.  Mike and Olya bake absolutely delicious croissants and other goodies and in the past, they’ve been swamped by popular demand.  To meet this demand, they recommend that you order at their website early in the week - usually on Tuesday. Their list for the coming weekend will be displayed.  If something isn’t there, then it’s “sold out”.  Place your order and your pick-up time.  Show up at the shop at that time and your order will be ready.  This system solves the frustration that many expressed over the long line-ups on weekend mornings and the disappointments of waiting in line only to be told that the store has sold out its supplies. Sorry - no walk-up sales. 

COMING EVENTS

Transitioning from your home to independent living

The Sumach (146 Sumach) is hosting a webinar about moving out of your home and into an independent living community.  Experts will discuss the steps needed to sell your house, the lifestyle that you can afford after the sale and the kind of life that you can expect.  Thursday, August 5, 4 pm.  Oniine and free.  Register at Eventbrite - click here.

Pivot 2021

An evening with students from the School of Toronto Dance Theatre (80 Winchester).  New works by Elke Schroeder and Darryl Tracy feature the first-year class in the Professional Dance Program.  A film by Hanna Kiel shows the second and third year students.  Watch the live-streaming presentation at 8 pm on Friday July 30.

Taste of Regent Park

Every Wednesday evening through the summer, a free meal is served at 40 Oak Street.  In August, it will be coordinated with Under The Stars - the Regent Park Film Festival’s weekly movies.  

Under the Stars

An online event. Starting on Wednesday, movies will be offered each week through August.  Pre-show events start at 6 pm. This week. All Nation Jr’s Drum Group will perform and Native Earth will present Sash Maker.  The movie will be shown at 7 pm.  On Wednesday August 4, the film is Warrior Women.  Free.  Register here.  (Photo:  Warrior Women)

Farmers’ Markets schedules

The Cabbagetown Farmers’ Market (Sumach and Winchester) opens every Tuesday from 3 to 7pm.  Underpass Park Farmers’ Market (29 Lower River Street) in Corktown is open on Thursday from 4 to 7:30 pm. Check out the Facebook pages for Cabbagetown and Underpass for the latest news about 2021 vendors and events.

RESTAURANT NEWS

The Irv makes another gift


The Irv’s Session Pale Ale is back.  Every can sold helps to pay for a child’s meal. It’s a popular project.  In its last appearance, over 1000 meals were sold in collaboration with Tenfed project.  195 Carlton

Cyril’s soup

Cyril is taking a break for the long weekend.  He’ll be back next week.

EVENTS, CLUBS & PUBS – DAILY LISTINGS


THURSDAY JULY 29 TO SUNDAY AUGUST 8

If there's a cover charge or tickets are sold, the prices are listed.


THURSDAY JULY 29


Underpass Park Farmers’ Market

4 to 7:30 pm, 29 Lower River Street

Outdoor HIIT classes with Adem

7:15 am, Sprucecourt School (70 Spruce). Parliament Street Fitness.  Members are free, non-members welcome, $15 or ten-pack at $125.


SATURDAY AUGUST 7


Dr Jay presents Big People Fete

7 pm.  CityView Drive-In (20 Poulson St).  $174 to $209 (per vehicle) 


SUNDAY AUGUST 1


Yoga Flow with Alex

10:30 am.  Riverdale Park (Winchester & Sumach). Offered by Parliament Street Fitness.  Members are free, non-members welcome, $15 or ten-pack at $125. 


MONDAY AUGUST 2


Trivia at Stout Irish Pub

7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia, hosted by Josh Fishbane. (221 Carlton)


TUESDAY AUGUST 3


Cabbagetown Farmers’ Market

3 to 7 pm, Riverdale Park West (Winchester & Sumach)

Outdoor HIIT training with Warren

6 pm, Sprucecourt School (70 Spruce). Offered by Parliament Street Fitness.  Members are free, non-members welcome, $15 or ten-pack at $125.  

Trivia at Stout Irish Pub

7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia, hosted by Josh Fishbane.  (221 Carlton)


WEDNESDAY AUGUST 4


Learn to Run classes with Manissa

7 am.  Riverdale Park (Winchester and Sumach). Offered by Parliament Street Fitness.  Members are free, non-members welcome for 8-week package at $50.

Slo Flo yoga with Robin

9:30 am. Zoom. Offered by Parliament Street Fitness.  Members are free, non-members welcome, $15 or ten-pack at $125.

Inside Out Film Fest: The Mitchells vs The Machines

8:45 pm.  CityView Drive-In (20 Poulson St).  Free

Under The Stars 

Movie night - Warrior Women at 7 pm.  Pre-show activities at 6 pm include All Nation Jr Drum Group and Native Earth.  Free.  Register for the online event - RegentParkFilmFestival.com


THURSDAY AUGUST 5


Underpass Park Farmers’ Market

4 to 7:30 pm (29 Lower River Street)

Outdoor HIIT training with Adem

7:15 am, Sprucecourt School (70 Spruce). Offered by Parliament Street Fitness.  Members are free, non-members welcome, $15 or ten-pack at $125.  


SATURDAY AUGUST 7


Scott Helman

7 pm.  CityView Drive-In (20 Poulson St).  $145 to $262 (per vehicle)


SUNDAY AUGUST 8


Yoga Flow with Alex

10:30 am.  Riverdale Park (Winchester & Sumach). Offered by Parliament Street Fitness.  Members are free, non-members welcome, $15 or ten-pack at $125.  


CONTACT INFO 


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 here to find your favourite. 

July 22

This week’s image:  Cabbagetown’s Sydney Payne is in the #7 seat, second rower from the right.  Thanks to Kelly Rogers for the image.




CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD REVIEW 



FEATURED LOCAL ARTIST


Martha Preston

“Flowers - everything about them - have always fascinated me.  I can never get enough of their beautiful colours, structures and perfumes.”

Martha is online - check out her Instagram and Facebook pages.


Red Poppies  

“Red poppies in my garden inspired this piece.  I wanted to catch their lightness as their petals blew in the wind.”


OLYMPIC NEWS    


Sydney at the Olympics

Sydney Payne is in Tokyo as part of Canada’s Women’s Eight rowing team.   They race over a 2 km course.  Her races will be broadcast on the CBC.  The heats happen on Saturday July 24 from 8 to 10:30 pm.  Repechage on Tuesday July 27 from 7:30 to 10:30 pm.  The medal finals are on Thursday July 29 from 7:45 to 9:25 pm.   These are Toronto times for the live broadcasts.

Sydney’s birthday Olympics

In 2000 when the Olympics happened in Sydney Australia, Cabbagetown’s Sydney Payne celebrated her third birthday.  Kelly, her mom, threw an Olympic party in Wellesley Park and invited her three-year old neighbours.  No one knew then that Sydney would herself become an Olympian in 2021.   (Photo:  Kelly Rogers)

Mauricie’s chart

Mauricie Summers, another Cabbagetowner at the Olympics,  works with World Rowing handling its social media.  She’s in Tokyo for the Games.  She prepared this diagram to tell us at a glance what’s happening with the Women’s Eight rowing team.  Click on it to see a larger version. (Diagram:  Mauricie Summers, World Rowing).

LOCAL NEWS   


Get your shot

In Cabbagetown, both Rexall (539 Parliament) and Shoppers Drug Mart (467 Parliament) have an ample supply of Moderna.  Shoppers is accepting appointments for Pfizer on Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm - these supplies are more limited.  In Regent Park, the Shoppers Drug Mart website lists Moderna availability at its Dundas and Sumach store (593 Dundas E).  For St James Town, the Shoppers store at Sherbourne and Howard (565 Sherbourne) has Moderna.  In Corktown, the Shoppers Drug Mart (351 Queen E) at Parliament and Queen has Moderna.  Check the websites for Rexall and Shoppers to get times and details and to make appointments.

Festival previews

Ordinarily at this time of year, Festival organizers are up to their necks with a million details.  Its usual schedule falls on the weekend of Friday September 10 to Sunday September 12.  For 2021, Randy Brown is optimistic - he’s doing his planning and setting out the program for the 31st Art & Crafts in the Park sale.  Gina Dineen is confirming the final details for her Cabbagetown Short Film Festival.  She hopes to hold both a live event with an audience and a virtual streaming event.  Dates and times for all of this will be finalized soon. Meanwhile, the Cabbagetown BIA has decided that commitments for a Parliament-Carlton street event are too risky and they’ll let the Festival wait for another year. 

A last minute request

Gina Dineen’s Cabbagetown Short Film Festival is applying for a Community Heritage Award from Heritage Toronto.  The Festival has been screening a wide variety of films annually since 1992.  It’s been a non-profit effort with proceeds helping to pay for the Festival and for awards to the filmmakers.  For many years, its selections have reflected the diversity of our community as well as the creativity of the filmmakers.  If you agree that the Festival deserves this award, please send Gina a quick email - she hopes to submit her application on Friday July 23, so please act now. 

Swimming in City of Toronto pools

On Wednesday July 21, swimming opened at the Pam McConnell Aquatic Centre (640 Dundas E), Wellesley Community Centre (495 Sherbourne), St Lawrence Community Recreation Centre (230 The Esplanade) and John Innes Community Recreation Centre (150 Sherbourne). The City’s announcement about its facilities and the new rules for using them is online here.

The Conservatory is reopening

Allan Gardens Conservatory (Carlton at Jarvis) will reopen on Monday July 26.  Some parts will stay closed while construction work continues. 

This week at the Farmers’ Markets

Fresh produce is now overflowing at the booths in both Markets.  Murray’s has raspberries and strawberries, potatoes and sweet corn.  Kooners stocked up on lettuce, potatoes, cucumbers and radishes.  And Aunt Beth offered a hint of whiskey in each Gourmet Cookie.

Weekend cycling routes

The bike lanes return to River and Bayview south to Corktown and north to Rosedale Valley Road on the weekend.  Lake Shore West (east bound lanes) from British Columbia Drive to Stadium Road, Lake Shore East (east bound lanes) from Leslie to Woodbine. 6 am on Saturday to 9 pm on Sunday.  (Photo:  Robin Pueyo)

Foundry progress report

By Thursday July 22,  23,430 people had signed the petition to stop the Foundry demolition and $33,291 had been donated to the Legal Defence Fund.  The links for the petition and online donations are here.  

A downy woodpecker

This little guy showed up at the Sprucecourt Co-op and Rita snapped his picture.  Look closely and you may see a hint of a red cap on his head. (Photo:  Rita Deen)

Cabbagetown Regent Park Museum Historical Tidbit

By Sally Gibson.  William Lyon Mackenzie is buried under a Celtic cross in the Necropolis. His wife, Isabel Baxter Mackenzie, has received next to no attention - she deserves more. She shared his poverty, wild political life, even 18 years of exile to the US while holding the growing family together as best she could. She bore 13 children, only 9 survived. During an early period of economic success, Mackenzie established a mercantile business and built a substantial house in Dundas, Upper Canada. Isabel likely helped that enterprise. Then her somewhat bored husband devoted himself to journalism and politics and moved the family to the provincial capital of York (later Toronto). Life ceased to be boring. A final period of calm occurred after the family moved in 1858 into 82 Bond Street, purchased by old supporters and new admirers. Isabel seems to have furnished her home as a typical Victorian middle-class refuge. She accompanied Mackenzie to events. But she also experienced social ostracism from those who still reviled her husband. Calm was not her path in life. After her husband died in 1861, Isabel remained at 82 Bond Street which is now operated as a City of Toronto Museum. In January 1873, her own funeral was held at home and her body was transported to the Necropolis where she was laid next to her husband for a long, calm rest.  (Image:  Isabel Baxter Mackenzie, William Lyon Mackenzie’s wife  1850   LAC.)  For more Cabbagetown history, photos and videos visit the CRPM Facebook page 

KIDS’ NEWS


Kumon is open

Kumon (543 Parliament) is again offering in-person classes for students from preschool through Grade 12.  Kumon develops the skills that help them build upon each concept they learn. With individualized learning plans, motivation and practice, Kumon prepares students to become avid learners, encouraging success throughout their entire academic experience and beyond.  For more info, check out the website, call (416) 939-2300 or email Vasudha, the Centre’s Director.


Donations to the Children’s Book Bank

Saturday, July 24 from 11 am to 2:30 pm.  Drop off your book gifts at the driveway (350 Berkeley at Gerrard). 

BUSINESS NEWS


Cabbagetown Organics

There are lots of keto friendly products in-store now. Open from 10 am to 9 pm, Monday to Thursday. 10 am to 8 pm, Friday and Saturday. 10 am to 6 pm, Sunday. 499 Parliament.

St Jamestown Steak & Chops

Fresh sushi-grade Itsumo tuna is now in stock - limited quantities.  Add on some fresh sweet corn from Norfolk County.  516 Parliament.  

Le Beau is back


The vacations are over and the shop is open again.  Great croissants, coffee and cakes on Le Beau’s side patio (665 Dundas E).  Open Wednesday to Sunday, 9 am to 5 pm. 

Seasonal clearance at Kendall & Co

Save up to 50% on select furniture, rugs, art, home accessories and gifts. While quantities last. Check out the sale now on Kendall’s website.  Kendall & Co (514 Parliament) is making room for new arrivals and renovating to launch a new and improved customer experience in August.  Open by appointment for in-store shopping of their furniture, rugs, wallpaper, drapery, blinds and reupholstery.  Noon to 5 pm weekdays. (416) 363-9914 

COMING EVENTS


Taste of Regent Park

Every Wednesday evening through the summer, a free meal is served at 40 Oak Street.  In August, it will be coordinated with Under The Stars - the Regent Park Film Festival’ weekly movies. 

Farmers’ Markets schedules

The Cabbagetown Farmers’ Market (Sumach and Winchester) opens every Tuesday from 3 to 7pm.  Underpass Park Farmers’ Market (29 Lower River Street) in Corktown is open on Thursday from 4 to 7:30 pm. Check out the Facebook pages for Cabbagetown and Underpass for the latest news about 2021 vendors and events.

YOUR ANNOUNCEMENTS


Found cat

Janine has found a lost kitten outside her house near Ontario and Carlton. She was frightened and hungry.  Now that she’s inside, she’s friendly and relaxed.  She’s been cared for - her coat is smooth, her eyes are clear and her weight is good. Call or text (416) 882-5138.

RESTAURANT NEWS


La Paisa

Javier and Karen set up their pop-up kitchen every weekend, Friday to Sunday from 3 to 9 pm.  They make their tacos and street food from scratch - it’s fresh and delicious.  Outside the Tilted Dog (424 Parliament).

LJS Khasos

These new folks on Parliament Street (507 Parliament) sure know how to make a gorgeous soup.  Try the Bombay Rice soup whenever it’s on the menu - scrumptious. 

Cyril’s soup

Cyril is making his good old fashioned classic gazpacho.  It’s got lots of ripe tomatoes, red and green peppers, cucumbers, garlic, Spanish onions, sherry vinegar, crusty bread, salt, pepper and cumin.  You can top it with fried bread, diced tomatoes, minced onions and a drizzle of oil. Nothing cooked- all raw and fresh.  His juice is another lemonade with kiwi, apple and ginger.  Soup - one to 9 cups at $3/cup, 10 or more cups at $2.50/cup.  Juice - 2 cups for $9. Email him to place your order.

EVENTS, CLUBS & PUBS – DAILY LISTINGS


THURSDAY JULY 22 TO SUNDAY AUGUST 1

If there's a cover charge or tickets are sold, the prices are listed.


THURSDAY JULY 22


Underpass Park Farmers’ Market

4 to 7:30 pm, 29 Lower River Street

Outdoor HIIT classes with Adem

7:15 am, Sprucecourt School (70 Spruce). Parliament Street Fitness.  Members are free, non-members welcome, $15 or ten-pack at $125.

Matt Dusk - concert

7 pm.  CityView Drive-In (20 Polson St).  $174 to $297 (per vehicle)


FRIDAY JULY 23


The Reklaws - concert

8 pm.  CityView Drive-In (20 Polson St).  $185 to $320 (per vehicle)


SUNDAY JULY 25


Yoga Flow with Alex

10:30 am.  Riverdale Park (Winchester & Sumach). Offered by Parliament Street Fitness.  Members are free, non-members welcome, $15 or ten-pack at $125. 


MONDAY JULY 26


Trivia at Stout Irish Pub

7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia, hosted by Josh Fishbane. (221 Carlton)


TUESDAY JULY 27


Cabbagetown Farmers’ Market

3 to 7 pm, Riverdale Park West (Winchester & Sumach)

Outdoor HIIT training with Warren

6 pm, Sprucecourt School (70 Spruce). Offered by Parliament Street Fitness.  Members are free, non-members welcome, $15 or ten-pack at $125.  

Trivia at Stout Irish Pub

7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia, hosted by Josh Fishbane.  (221 Carlton)


WEDNESDAY JULY 28


Learn to Run classes with Manissa

7 am.  Riverdale Park (Winchester and Sumach). Offered by Parliament Street Fitness.  Members are free, non-members welcome for 8-week package at $50.

Slo Flo yoga with Robin

9:30 am. Zoom. Offered by Parliament Street Fitness.  Members are free, non-members welcome, $15 or ten-pack at $125.


THURSDAY JULY 29


Underpass Park Farmers’ Market

4 to 7:30 pm (29 Lower River Street)

Outdoor HIIT training with Adem

7:15 am, Sprucecourt School (70 Spruce). Offered by Parliament Street Fitness.  Members are free, non-members welcome, $15 or ten-pack at $125.  

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SATURDAY JULY 31


Dr Jay presents

7 pm.  CityView Drive-In (20 Poulson St).  $127 to $209 (per vehicle)


SUNDAY AUGUST 1


Yoga Flow with Alex

10:30 am.  Riverdale Park (Winchester & Sumach). Offered by Parliament Street Fitness.  Members are free, non-members welcome, $15 or ten-pack at $125.  


CONTACT INFO 


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 here to find your favourite.