This week’s image: Gold at the Olympics. Cabbagetown’s Sydney Payne is third from the left. (Photo: Lee Jinman, AP)
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. With a doctorate in Geology and a global career in energy discovery, I am - at my core - a student of the Earth and this is the lens through which I explore my surroundings and satisfy that curiosity.”
Lawrence has a website and an Instagram page.
Architectural abstraction no 33
“I’ve always been fascinated by architecture and often use abstraction to examine its patterns, structure and substance. I love how the early morning shadow intersects the east tower of Toronto City Hall, amplifying its curvature.”
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. Ms Paul is in the spotlight.
ANNAMIE PAUL
i sat down last Friday at the House on Parliament with Annamie Paul, the Green Party’s leader and candidate here in Toronto Centre.My conclusion
She’s deeply motivated by her principles - a big plus in today’s political environment. But sometimes, her ideas can trap her. Once she’s committed to a policy, she’s not going to twist it around or abandon it even if that commitment comes at a cost. She’s smart and she knows her way around our local issues. And then finally, another big plus - she enjoys a good joke.
The obvious question
Why is she running here when there are places in the country where she could win more easily? She claims that her family has deep roots here and this is her home. True enough but what about winning her seat? This riding seems to be a Liberal stronghold. She feels that Greens need to win seats in Ontario and in the GTA. Winning here will be a game changer.
Climate and social policies
I also asked about the focus on her website with various proposals about social issues and diversity. Shouldn’t the Greens zero in completely on the planet and climate change? She pointed to the Greens’ record over almost two decades. They’ve established their climate credentials. Her discussion of social issues is interwoven with climate policy. She also sees how Greens have gained political strength elsewhere in the world when they broadened their platforms.She has a website and various social media platforms.
LOCAL NEWS
Cabbagetown fans cheer for Sydney and the rowing team
Canada’s Women’s Eight rowing team won a hard-fought race to claim the gold medal - Canada's first gold in this class since Barcelona in 1992. Sydney Payne is a Cabbagetown member of the team. Their victory time was 5:59.13 over the 2000 metre course against four other very good boats. Cabbagetown fans are thrilled. Steve Grant, for example, posted a comment on the “We Love Cabbagetown” Facebook page and got over 180 comments and likes right away. New Zealand won the silver medal and China the bronze.
Bursary to honour Sandy MacPherson
Sandy MacPherson died last October after a brief illness. He was a beloved Cabbagetown resident and we miss him. As Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health, he was a major force in Toronto’s civic life. He was also an accomplished academic. Above all, he was a friend. Before his death, Sandy designated Community Matters Toronto as his recommended charity. He was a long-time Board member there and he admired its grassroots commitments. In his honour, Community Matters has created a bursary for a St James Town student heading off to first-year courses at university or college. The 2021 recipient will be announced shortly. In the meantime, Sandy’s Cabbagetown friends are welcome to contribute to the fund for future awards. Contact info@communitymatterstoronto.org
The Cabbagetown BIA is hiring
Young people who want a short-term job to December 17 are invited to apply. The BIA wants an events and administrative coordinator. It’s specifically aimed at youth. Applicants must be unemployed, out of school and between the ages of 15 and 29. The deadline is Friday August 13. Check the BIA website for the job description, pay and contact details.
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.
Fighting the tags
Over the past year, the Cabbagetown BIA has been painting over the graffiti and tags on Parliament, Carlton and Gerrard businesses. Sadly, the tags are back. So a team is going out to repaint these facades - it’s the best way to discourage the taggers. Join the campaign on Saturday August 14 from 10 am to 2 pm. The BIA is supplying the paint and equipment - you bring your skills and community spirit. Meet at the BIA office (237 Carlton). Email the BIA to join the project. (Photo: Cabbagetown BIA)
Thanks Kyle
Kyle Lowry is leaving the Toronto Raptors to join the Miami Heat. He’ll be missed here. For the last few years, his Foundation has delivered over 150 Thanksgiving meals to the Cabbagetown Youth Centre and then to the Toronto Boys & Girls Club. The meals were welcome and the crowd always loved to see him there with his family.
CafeTO Artwalk
The Cabbagetown 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. Marco Bertuzzo painted the panels at Haldi (568 Parliament).
Enna Kim did the neighbouring panels at Tokyo Ramen (568 Parliament). There’s more info about the artists on the BIA’s website.
This week at the Farmers’ Markets
Here’s William from The Ridge where maple syrup has been bottled for over a century. Irene used his maple syrup in her recipe for maple baked beans - and William tried it and loved it too. If you’d like a copy of the recipe, send an email. Fresh produce is now overflowing at the booths in both Markets. Tuesday was a bright sunny day - a big relief from the usual rainy days.
Weekend cycling routes
Only Lake Shore East (east bound lanes) from Leslie to Woodbine is open to bike traffic from 6 am Saturday August 7 to 9 pm on Sunday August 8. Presumably, this accommodates the simultaneous closure of the Don Valley Parkway for its annual maintenance. (Photo: Robin Pueyo)
Foundry progress report
Questions have come from a discerning reader asking why this item is repeated every week. It’s simple - by noting the donations and the petitions, the issue about the Foundry is kept alive in a small way. No doubt, the government would prefer that we go to sleep while they get ready to spring another property grab on the community. By Thursday August 5, 23,435 people had signed the petition to stop the Foundry demolition and $33,291 had been donated to the Legal Defence Fund. If you want to stop this demolition, sign the petition and make an online donation here.
KIDS NEWS
Book donation day
The Children’s Book Bank (350 Berkeley) is holding another donation day on Saturday August 7, 11 am to 2:30 pm. Drop off your books on the wooden pallet outside the store.
BUSINESS NEWS
Akasha Art
In the gallery at Akasha (204D Carlton) - Kelly Kyle’s photographs of the ancient temple ruins at Angkor Wat.
Summer holidays at St James Town Steak & Chops
St James Town (516 Parliament) is closed for its summer holiday until Monday August 9.
COMING EVENTS
Blooming Flower Bar
Anji will be running her pop-up store in Yorkville on Saturday. She’s joining the Fleurs de Villes flower show, Rose. There’ll be 35 stops by over 20 leading Toronto florists. It’s all happening in support of breast cancer research. Drop by her stand in front of 92 Yorkville Avenue from 10 am to 5 pm. Blooming Flower Bar (194A Carlton).
Lady Action: Toronto’s trailblazing women
A virtual tour to explore the stories of women who pushed boundaries, broke the glass ceiling and changed history - suffragettes, doctors, entrepreneurs, artists and more. Tuesday August 10, 6 pm. Prepared by Heritage Toronto. Click here for more info and for the registration link.
Taste of Regent Park
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.
Under the Stars
This week’s movie is Street Gang - How we got to Sesame Street. It takes us inside the minds and hearts of the Sesame Street creators. This is an online event. The pre-show starts at 6 pm. This week, join Children’s Book Bank for a reading of Interstellar Cinderella and What Do You Do With An Idea. Then watch short films from SKETCH Working Arts and from Toronto Ward Museum. The movie will be shown at 7 pm. Free. Register here.
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
More ice cream
There’s a new ice cream store in the Distillery - Scooped by Demetres. Flavours include Rose Strawberry, Melon Meets Mint and Dark Chocolate Cherry. There’s lots more. Open daily from 2 pm to midnight. 46 Gristmill Lane.
Congrats LJS Khasos
blogTO has included this new Parliament Street spot on its list of great new patios to try this summer. 507 Parliament (Photo: blogTO).
Cyril’s soup
Cyril is back and this time, he’s offering a widely requested favourite - his Mexican corn and chicken chowder. It’s got shredded chicken, Monterey cheese, lots of spices and plenty of veggies. His juice is a smoothie - peaches and mint with apples as a base and possibly a touch of lemon. Soup - one to 9 cups at $4/cup, 10 or more cups at $3.50/cup. Juice - 2 cups for $9. Email him to place your order.
EVENTS, CLUBS & PUBS – DAILY LISTINGS
THURSDAY AUGUST 5 TO SUNDAY AUGUST 15
If there's a cover charge or tickets are sold, the prices are listed.
THURSDAY AUGUST 5
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
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.
MONDAY AUGUST 9
Trivia at Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia, hosted by Josh Fishbane. (221 Carlton)
TUESDAY AUGUST 10
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 11
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. Street Gang - How we got to Sesame Street at 7 pm. Pre-show activities at 6 pm. Free. Register for the online event - RegentParkFilmFestival.com
THURSDAY AUGUST 12
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.
Tokyo Police Club & Born Ruffians
6 pm. CityView Drive-In (20 Poulson St). $160 to $262 (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.
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.
