This week’s image: It’s back - the Cabbagetown Art & Crafts show has been approved for September 11 & 12 in Riverdale Park.
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.
Water no 55
“I spend a lot of my time photographing water. It fascinates me. This is one of my favourite water images. The photo freezes wave forms as they move and dissipate across a beach illuminated by a cloud in the evening sky.”
FEDERAL POLITICS
Every week, I’ve had personal discussions with the local candidates from the Green, Liberal and NDP parties. This week, the Conservatives were scheduled but Ryan Lester and I did not coordinate ourselves and so this report will come next week.
The official Returning Officer
The Returning Officer (161 Bay Street, Suite 2700) is in charge of the details in our riding involving registering voters, arranging and staffing the voting stations and controlling the ballots. If you have questions about the election, check out the official website - the Toronto Centre site is still being completed and some details may not yet be available. Open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 9 pm, Saturday from 9 am to 8 pm and Sunday from noon to 4 pm.
Voting details
You’ll receive a personal voter information card telling when and where you can vote using any of these options.Election day - Monday September 20.
Advance polls - Friday September 10, Saturday September 11, Sunday September 12 and Monday September 13.
Vote by mail - register no later than 6 pm, Tuesday September 14
LOCAL NEWS
Cabbagetown Art & Crafts
The big art show in Riverdale Park (Winchester and Sumach) is happening. Randy Brown has announced that the Parks Department has given his project a green light. His show will take place on Saturday September 11 and Sunday September 12 - the usual Cabbagetown Festival weekend. It’s welcome news. Gradually, bits and pieces from the Festival are coming together. The art show is a big part of it and it’ll create a festive basis for the 2021 Festival weekend.
Future Regent Park development
Tuesday’s meet ’n greet session in the Big Park did not produce a truck load of specific details about Phase 4 and 5 - the area south of Gerrard. It was intended as an introductory step in the process. Staff from Toronto Community Housing and Tridel were there to hear residents’ suggestions - these will be included in future plans. Peter Zimmerman from Toronto Community Housing noted that retail is planned for the south side of Gerrard, that the building heights will rise from Gerrard to the park, that a new library and community facility are being considered and that affordable social housing continues to be a priority. By the end of the year, draft plans will be released for community input. By the end of 2022, Tridel will be ready to start construction.
One resident’s suggestion
Ade has been asking for tennis courts to be installed somewhere in Regent Park for a while. He teaches tennis skills to kids and he has to take them over to Riverdale Park East on Broadview. He’s asking for a spot in the Big Park or on the Athletics Field.
The Foundry
The Ontario government and representatives from local community groups and from City Hall have reached a tentative agreement about the future of The Foundry (153 to 185 Front). Two buildings will be preserved - the Cleaning Room and the Machine Shop, along with a high brick wall along Palace Street. The Office and the Warehouse will be demolished to make way for new housing projects. Various politicians and community activists have described this agreement as a victory for everyone. (Photo: Evan Madill, CBC)
Market packages in Cabbagetown
The Cabbagetown Farmers’ Market (Sumach and Winchester) is bundling together special packages from several vendors for your quick and easy dinner choices. It’s a pilot project to see how you like the goodies. This week’s bundle includes potato herb rolls, cherry balsamic chutney and Fifth Town Cheese - buy each item individually or the package at $27. 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.
Support the bursary
Hazel Medina is the 2021 recipient. She’s won the first award from the Dr Sandy MacPherson bursary. She received $2500 to use toward her first year tuition and course expenses at York University. Sandy died last October after a brief illness. In his honour, Community Matters Toronto created this bursary and we know that he would be proud to support a young student like Hazel. Please consider your support for future awards from the fund - it’s a great way to remember Sandy. Email CMT for more info.
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.
Update about COVID vaccines
In Cabbagetown, Rexall (539 Parliament) has Pfizer. They’re vaccinating children 12 and up. Shoppers Drug Mart (467 Parliament) has Pfizer. Check other locations close to you - not all of them have vaccines. 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.
A third bridge
Another beautiful bridge for the new Port Lands is en route from Dartmouth to Toronto. This one will be the eastern span for Commissioner Street. It set out on the trip by barge on August 20 and by August 26, it had reached Cornwall. It’ll be here and installed very quickly. In total, four bridges will be used in the new site. Waterfront Toronto has described the bridges on its website. Image: Waterfront Toronto
Cemetery scavenger hunts
The Cabbagetown Preservation Association has put together three “scavenger hunts” - two in the Necropolis and one in St James. They’re fascinating walks through our history. Check out the CPA website and see the “hunts” and the answers listed there.
Hayley on Aberdeen
A while ago, Victoria Hadden and local Aberdeen residents saw a film crew making an ad along their street. It’s available now. It stars Hayley Wickenheiser and the Basement Gang delivering Harvey’s burgers along Aberdeen. Thanks Victoria - a nifty story.
CafeTO Artwalk
Marie-Judith Jean-Louis’s art is on display at Chew Chew (186 Carlton). She’s intrigued by the nuances between looking at something versus seeing something.
Weekend cycling routes
Lake Shore East from Leslie to Woodbine, Lake Shore West from Windermere to Stadium Road and Bayview Avenue from Rosedale Valley Road south to Corktown Common are open for bike traffic from 6 am Saturday August 28 to 9 pm on Sunday August 29. (Photo: Robin Pueyo)
Cabbagetown Regent Park Museum Historical Tidbit
CABBAGETOWN FESTIVAL
Art & Crafts in the Park
The big art show in Riverdale Park (Winchester and Sumach) has been approved and given a permit. Enjoy the show on Saturday September 11 and Sunday September 12 from 11 am to 6 pm daily. 145 artists have signed up to date.
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 6 or 7 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.
Blair’s Run
Once again, it’s a virtual event - September 10 to 19. The Cabbagetown Youth Centre is now part of Toronto Kiwanis Boys & Girls Club. The building is being renovated - it’s extensive and expensive. Proceeds from Blair’s Run will ease the burden. Form your street team and register here.
KIDS STUFF
Young dancers at home
The School of Toronto Dance Theatre (80 Winchester) is offering virtual dance lessons for kids 3 to 17. Creativity, spontaneity, musicality and new techniques are at the heart of each session. The lessons are twice monthly from 9:30 to 10:15 am from September 11 to December 18. Each session includes live-stream video followed by live Zoom class. Single students can register or a family pack will include two or more students. Register now - click here.
Store hours at the Book Bank
The Children’s Book Bank (350 Berkeley) will be closed on Sundays and Mondays in September. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays are reserved for community drop-ins from 10 am to 6 pm. Fridays are school drop-in days from 10 am to 3 pm. Saturdays are community drop-in days from 10 am to 3 pm.
IN THE MEDIA
The Foundry agreement
Ashleigh Stewart has written about the agreement over the future of the Foundry for CBC News. Her story contains details about the agreement and about community reactions. (Photo: Mehrdad Nazarahari/CBC).
BUSINESS NEWS
Cabbagetown Barber Shop
The Cabbagetown BIA has reminded us about these nice people. Since the lockdown ended, they’ve noticed that a number of their customers haven’t returned. Their business was hard hit and they could use your support now. As the BIA notes, “Their cuts get rave reviews and their prices are hard to beat.” Open 9 am to 6 pm, daily. 525 Parliament.
Seasonal Clearance at Kendall & Co
Save up to 50% on select furniture, rugs, art, home accessories and gifts. While quantities last. Check out Kendall’s sale now on their website. Take advantage as they make room for new arrivals and renovate to launch a new and improved customer experience in August. Email for an appointment for in-store shopping of their furniture, rugs, wallpaper, drapery, blinds and reupholstery - noon to 5 pm Monday to Saturday. 514 Parliament St. (416) 363-9914
COMING EVENTS
Play music on the porch
Saturday August 28 from 3 pm. Marion Law will be singing at 19 Aberdeen and she may be joined by other musicians. You’re invited to bring a chair and enjoy the show.
Modern Dance Expression
The School of Toronto Dance Theatre (80 Winchester) presents Modern Dance Expression, taught by Megan Nadain. It’s an all-levels class that celebrates community, music, exercise, and our love for dance. If you have a passion (or just a curiosity) for modern dance, you can reconnect with yourself and others through movement in a stimulating and supportive environment. The classes are a hybrid series both outdoors in a nearby park and virtually from home. September 14 to October 19 (outdoors) and October 26 to November 30 (virtually). Book one session, or both – the choice is yours!
RESTAURANT NEWS
Cranberries is open
Cranberries (601 Parliament) is one of our favourite restaurants and it’s open and ready for your dine-in business. You can also enjoy its takeout and delivery services (with Door Dash and Ritual). Check out the full menu and specials online.
The Irv
Justin Abrams plays live acoustic music, Thursday August 26, 7 to 9 pm. 195 Carlton.
Cyril’s soup
Cyril is making his lemon, lentil and corn soup - a popular choice. His juice is strawberry and orange. 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 26 TO SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 5
If there's a cover charge or tickets are sold, the prices are listed.
THURSDAY AUGUST 26
Justin Abrams at The Irv
7 to 9 pm. Live acoustic music, 195 Carlton.
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.
FRIDAY AUGUST 27
Skratch Bastid & Friends - concert
7 pm, CityView Drive-In (20 Poulson St), $63 to $64
SUNDAY AUGUST 29
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 30
Trivia at Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia, hosted by Josh Fishbane. (221 Carlton)
TUESDAY AUGUST 31
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 SEPTEMBER 1
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 SEPTEMBER 2
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.
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 5
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.
Labour of Love - concert
3:30 pm, CityView Drive-In (20 Poulson St), $93 to $185
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.
