This week’s image: Friday afternoon on Parliament Street.
CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD REVIEW
FEATURED LOCAL ARTIST
Lawrence Bernstein
“I’ve had two constants in my life - a camera in my hands and a curiosity about the structure and behaviour of the natural and human world around me.” Lawrence has a website and an Instagram page.
Rising Tide
“This image, captured on the west coast of Vancouver Island, has many of the elements I love all in one place - rocks, water and sand!”
FEDERAL POLITICS
With an election looming on the horizon, I’ll report on personal discussions that I’ve had with the local candidates from the Conservative, Green, Liberal and NDP parties. So far, I’ve met with Annamie Paul (Green) and Brian Chang (NDP). This week, Brian Chang is in the spotlight.
BRIAN CHANG
We met on Tuesday August 3 at the end of Carlton Street and sat overlooking the baseball diamonds and the Don Valley below usMy conclusion
Brian is more impressive than I first expected. I had worried that he would hide behind partisan slogans. Instead, he showed real understanding of Toronto Centre’s problems and he has detailed plans for the riding.
The obvious question
He’s been a candidate twice. In these elections, he’s seen his party’s support drop to 16.9% of the vote in 2020 from Linda McQuaig’s high point of 36% in 2013. Brian believes that his Party is ready for its recovery. The funds are in the bank. They have a good list of energetic volunteers. Support from Suze Morrison has been helpful. COVID created a lot of problems in 2020. The federal campaign with Jagmeet Singh is poised and ready to be effective.
Local issues
He emphasizes housing rather than home ownership. It’s time to revitalize the co-op movement and other housing social programs. Older apartment buildings and single family homes can become more energy efficient with targeted spending on retrofits. Toronto Centre has lots of services for Indigenous people and he places justice as priority in our dealings with them. Brian can be contacted by email. His campaign has a website and social media.
LOCAL NEWS
Support the bursary to honour Sandy MacPherson
Our friend Sandy MacPherson died last October after a brief illness. He was known and respected by his neighbours, by his pals at Cranberries and by people he met casually everywhere in Cabbagetown. In his honour, Community Matters Toronto has created a bursary for a St James Town student heading off to first-year courses at university or college. It’s a great way to remember Sandy. Please contribute to the fund for future awards. Contact Community Matters by email.
Cabbagetown Short Film Festival
30th anniversary online festival. This year, you can buy one Access Pass that admits you to three different programs. Each program has 7 to 9 short films. Once you open a program, you’ll have up to 72 hours to watch its films. There’ll be a total of 20 shorts from Canada, the USA, Morocco, Russia and Spain. 7 of these films are from Toronto including Cleo Brown’s award winning The Young Wife. Here’s your link to buy your Access pass.
It’s back - The New Roots Dinners
Daniel et Daniel (248 Carlton) supports Green Thumbs, Growing Kids through its New Roots Dinner series. GTGK helps children develop their relationship with the earth through school gardens and nature programs. This year’s dinner can be enjoyed at home. Four courses feature an Ontario cheese and charcuterie platter, summer blackberry salad, rainbow trout roasted with honey and rosemary with summer vegetables and a rosemary plum trifle. A vegetarian alternative is also available. $120 each. A $50 tax receipt is given for each order. Click here for ordering and menu information.
The Cabbagetown BIA is hiring
The BIA needs an events and administrative coordinator. Young people who want a short-term job to December 17 are invited to apply. It’s specifically aimed at youth. Applicants must be unemployed, out of school and between the ages of 15 and 29. The deadline is 5 pm on Friday August 20. Check the BIA website for the job description, pay and contact details.
Free poop signs
The Cabbagetown Residents Association has created two new signs for your front yard. They’re reminders to dog owners to scoop their pooch’s poop. Free. Send an email indicating your preference - A or B.
Update about COVID vaccines
In Cabbagetown, both Rexall (539 Parliament) and Shoppers Drug Mart (467 Parliament) have an ample supply of Pfizer. Shoppers also has enough Moderna to last until Friday August 13. 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.
Fighting the tags
Save the date and help the cleanups - Saturday August 14, 9 am to noon. Over the past year, the Cabbagetown BIA has been cleaning up graffiti and tags on Parliament, Carlton and Gerrard businesses. Sadly, the tags are back. So a team is going out to repaint these facades. The BIA is supplying the paint and equipment. Meet at the BIA office (237 Carlton). Email the BIA to alert them that you're joining the project. (Photo: Cabbagetown BIA)
CafeTO Artwalk
Alanna Cavanagh is back at the House on Parliament (454 Parliament). Her artwork highlights the panels on the streetside patio at the HoP.
This week at the Farmers’ Markets
Fresh garlic has arrived at the Cabbagetown Farmers’ Market. Samsara Fields had lots of it on sale on Tuesday. Riverdale Park (Sumach and Winchester) and Underpass Park (29 Lower River) (Photo: Cabbagetown BIA).
Weekend cycling routes
Lake Shore East (east bound lanes) from Leslie to Woodbine and Bayview Avenue from Rosedale Valley Road south to Corktown Common are open for bike traffic from 6 am Saturday August 14 to 9 pm on Sunday August 15. (Photo: Robin Pueyo)
Foundry progress report
Keep the Foundry campaign alive and help to stop the demolition by making a donation and by signing the petition. By Wednesday August 12, 23,450 people had signed the petition to stop the Foundry demolition and $33,291 had been donated to the Legal Defence Fund.
Cabbagetown Regent Park Museum Historical Tidbit
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Lost chairs
The BIA (237 Carlton) owns a bunch of green plastic Muskoka chairs that are normally used in the Festival. They can’t find them. Anyone who knows the whereabouts of these chairs is asked to email or call Virginia (416) 921-0857.
IN THE MEDIA
A new stormwater treatment facility
Waterfront Toronto has unveiled its new facility in the Port Lands. The Globe & Mail’s Alex Bozikovic has written about its blend of architectural art on the exterior and utilitarian machinery inside. (Photo: Adrian Ozimek, Globe & Mail)
Indigenous art
CBC News reported on the Story-Telling Murals painted in Central Hospital Lane by Indigenous artists. Central Hospital Lane is one block east of Sherbourne between Carlton and Gerrard. (Photo: The Laneway Project)
A stroll with an author and musician
Antonio Michael Dowling, aka John Orpheus, takes us for a walk from Maple Leaf Gardens to Riverdale Park East. Along the way, he praises Allan Gardens (Carlton and Jarvis), The Irv (195 Carlton) and Daniel et Daniel (248 Carlton). Click here to read the Toronto Star’s story. (Photo: Jonathan Adediji)
BUSINESS NEWS
Cabbagetown Organics
They carry lots of keto certified products. 499 Parliament.
COMING EVENTS
St James Town: World within a block
An in-person tour of St James Town presented by Heritage Toronto and sponsored by Ontario Architects. Learn the history of Canada’s largest high-rise neighbourhood from its Victorian roots to its diverse modern communities. Please register. The meeting place is 26 Glen Road, Sunday August 15, 10:30 am to noon.
Under the Stars
This week’s movie at 7 pm is the comedy, Lucky Grandma. This is an online event. The pre-show starts at 6 pm. This week, Vision of Tomorrow takes us on a virtual tour of Regent Park and Art Heart shows us how to make kid friendly crafts. Free. Register here.
Taste of Regent Park
Last Wednesday’s Filipino dinner was prepared by Mary Ann Kalalang-Salvador. Dessert was a pina colada roll sponsored by Megann and Steve Willson. Every Wednesday evening through the summer, a free meal is served at 40 Oak Street. In August, it’ll be coordinated with Under The Stars - the Regent Park Film Festival’s weekly movies.
Farmers’ Markets schedules
The Cabbagetown Farmers’ Market (Sumach and Winchester) opens every Tuesday from 3 to 7 pm. 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
Lobster fest at The Irv
Join the party next week at The Irv’s annual lobster fest. Look at those menu items - lobster tacos, lobster cheese fries, lobster mac ’n cheese, lobster rolls, surf ’n turf burger and a surf ’n turf main. August 16 to 22, 195 Carlton.
A new beer at Stout
Erin is bringing out a new brew - Shillow’s Beer Snob Belgian rye ale. Grab a pint and enjoy the scene on her front patio. Stout Irish Pub, 221 Carlton.
Cyril’s soup
Cyril is making a modern version of the British classic - pea and mint soup. It’s freezable and includes green onions, ginger, lemon and sunflower seeds. You can add your own finishings with yogurt and microgreens. His juice embraces seasonal fruits with watermelon, basil and lime. 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 AUGUST 12 TO SUNDAY AUGUST 22
If there's a cover charge or tickets are sold, the prices are listed.
THURSDAY AUGUST 12
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.
Tokyo Police Club & Born Ruffians
6 pm. CityView Drive-In (20 Poulson St). $150 to $227 (per vehicle)
FRIDAY AUGUST 13
Tokyo Police Club & Born Ruffians
6 pm. CityView Drive-In (20 Poulson St). $127 to $262 (per vehicle)
SATURDAY AUGUST 14
Classic Albums Live: Led Zeppelin II
8 pm. CityView Drive-In (20 Poulson St). $150 to $297 (per vehicle)
SUNDAY AUGUST 15
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.
Together again festival
2 to 11 pm. CityView Drive-In (20 Poulson St). General admission, standing room only, $30 to $35 plus fees.
MONDAY AUGUST 16
Trivia at Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia, hosted by Josh Fishbane. (221 Carlton)
TUESDAY AUGUST 17
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)
Regent Park Film Festival: Men In Black II
8:30 pm, CityView Drive-In (20 Poulson St), Free - reserve tickets in advance.
WEDNESDAY AUGUST 18
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.
Under The Stars
Online movie night. Lucky Grandma at 7 pm. Pre-show activities at 6 pm. Free. Register for the online event - RegentParkFilmFestival.com
THURSDAY AUGUST 19
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.
FRIDAY AUGUST 20
Drive ’N Queens
8:30 pm, CityView Drive-In (20 Poulson St), $162 to $326 (per vehicle).
SATURDAY AUGUST 21
Mini Pop Kids
Noon, CityView Drive-In (20 Poulson St), $121 to $175 (per vehicle).
SUNDAY AUGUST 22
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.
