This week’s image: the Cabbagetown Lights contest is now underway.
CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD REVIEW
FEATURED LOCAL ARTIST
Ann Kay
Ann has been a Cabbagetown resident for over 40 years. After a long and successful career in graphic design, she found a new direction in ceramic art. You can contact her by email.
A PERSONAL VIEW
Kristyn Wong-Tam’s COVID calamity
It’s been a rough week for Councillor Wong-Tam. On November 18, she wrote an opinion piece in the Toronto Sun that preached understanding between the majority who have been vaccinated and the minority who aren’t. Overall, it was sensible. But she did let loose with a few boneheaded remarks to the effect that both sides are equally contagious. She doubled down on this in later Tweets and posts.
CHRISTMAS IS COMING
Cabbagetown Lights contest
Santa Paws at Chartwell’s Sumach
Grant from The Sumach has written to invite everyone to meet Santa at the Sumach (146 Sumach at Shuter). Bring your furry friend for a photo session together. Saturday, December 4 from 10:30 to 12:30. Hot chocolate and takeaway treats for all in attendance. Although this is a complimentary event, donations will be accepted on behalf of ElderDog Canada. Indoor capacity will be limited due to COVID restrictions. Dress warm!
Santa at Carlton and Parliament
Saturday December 4, 1 to 5 pm. Presented by the Cabbagetown BIA. Santa will visit us at Carlton and Parliament. The Children’s Book Bank is bringing a big supply of kids’ books so each child can take home a gift. There’ll also be a story teller, live music, tree lighting, kids activities, hot drinks and treats. Save the date and help to kick-off the season.
Distillery Winter Village
The annual Winter Village is happening now in the Distillery to Friday December 31. Shopping with 8 new curated vendors, 12 fine food and snacks cabins, strolling buskers and carollers and visits with Santa. Tickets required on Fridays and Saturdays from 4 to 10 pm and on Sundays from 4 to 9 pm, $8.
LOCAL NEWS
Daycare update
It appears that the daycare at Amelia and Sackville (459-461 Sackville) has been approved by Toronto-East York Community Council with two amendments. First, staff at Transportation Services are directed to monitor the situation for one year after the daycare opens and report any necessary changes for parking and traffic flows to Council. Second, enactment of this approval is withheld until the owner satisfies City staff that he has a licence from the Ontario government to operate the daycare. Both amendments were moved by Kristyn Wong-Tam and approved by the Council on Wednesday November 24.
Yonge Street Mission development project
The property around the Double Thrift store (306 - 310 Gerrard E) is owned by the Yonge Street Mission. YSM wants to expand the store and add housing to the site. There’ll be a mix of affordable and market-level rentals along with community event space, a green area and a commercial area. There’ll be a free public meeting on Thursday November 25 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm on Zoom. The meeting details are here.
Regent Park Phases 4 and 5
Community input is being gathered up for these phases of the Regent Park revitalization - the area along Gerrard and one block south on River. It’s part of the initial rezoning application. There’s a website that outlines this step and it includes a link to a public survey. The next public meeting will be an online consultation on Wednesday December 8 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. (Photo: Rene Johnston, Toronto Star)
Don Valley clean-up
Before last weekend’s rally, 200 volunteers with Don’t Mess with the Don tackled an area of the river valley that badly needed a clean-up. They pulled out 250 bags of garbage plus other illegally dumped debris. They then went on to protest Metrolinx plans to build a service yard in the Don Valley at the Bloor Aqueduct. For years, this area has been slowly rescued and now it’ll be turned into a garage for diesel engines. Check out their hard work and success at the clean-up online. The CBC reported on the rally.
Update on the community fridge
Paula reports that a volunteer who stocks and cleans the fridge has been asking customers about their needs. The list includes Ensure, individual yogurts, bagels, tins of creamed corn and soup, milk, eggs, cheese, fruits and vegetables. They also expressed their thanks to the fridge supporters and to Cabbagetown Organics (499 Parliament) for this generosity.
COVID cases in our schools
The Toronto Star’s app describing COVID cases in our local schools shows one case that has appeared at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School (Wellesley and Homewood). This report is updated at 2 pm on the previous day - in this case, Wednesday November 24.
Cabbagetown Regent Park Museum Historical Tidbit
By Sally Gibson. After dark, many Cabbagetown houses glow like jewel boxes courtesy of their stained glass windows. Many were created by Robert McCausland’s company with its signature ruby reds, sapphire blues, emerald greens, amethyst purples and golden highlights. Robert’s father Joseph, founded McCausland in 1856. It’s still operating.
McCausland glass can be seen all around Toronto, perhaps most prominently in old City Hall.
In Cabbagetown, windows like my own semi-circular beauty featuring a bird are definitely McCausland’s as certified by the company’s current president, Andrew McCausland. You can pay tribute to the founder of this great artistic company, Joseph McCausland - he died in 1905 and is buried in the Necropolis. (Image: McCausland window, 384 Sackville Street, 1891 SD Gibson.).
CHRISTMAS GIVING
The annual Toronto Miracle food drive
The food drive is back again on Saturday December 4 after a successful year in 2020. It’s part of a city-wide campaign in 140 neighbourhoods. The system is simple. Go to the website and register as a donor no later than December 2. Then leave your food on your doorstep by 10 am on Saturday December 4. Make sure that your parcel can be seen from the street. Volunteers will pick it up. If you can’t leave your donation outside, there are three drop-off points: 5 Geneva, 286 Carlton (side bin) and Carlton and Pariiament during the Christmas event. Please don’t donate perishable foods, food that’s been opened or homemade food - these items can’t be used in the food bank. If you’re willing to volunteer in the campaign, please email Sandy Riches.
Green Thumbs Growing Kids
Green Thumbs Growing Kids is a local charity. It creates and manages school gardens at Sprucecourt, Winchester and Rose Avenue that connect children to their food and their environment. It supports gardening projects at Nelson Mandela Park. Since September, it’s served 1500 children and youth through online and hands-on programs. 43 children in Grades 1-2 participate in the hands-on Garden Club. Please visit the GTGK’s website and blog posts where you can learn more about what it’s doing.The Toronto District School Board does not fund the project. It depends on funding from members of the community and friends of the gardens. For a small charity, it provides an extraordinary variety of programming and now it needs your help to continue its work and to develop new, exciting garden learning programs.
Carolling for cans
Every year, lovely voices from the Carlton, Metcalfe and Winchester neighbourhoods are raised in song as part of a food drive in support of Saint Luke Church’s food bank. COVID prevented that in 2020 and again this year. The food drive, however, is continuing. Please support its efforts - leave your gift on your porch on Sunday December 5 from 2 to 4 pm and stick the flyer along with the food.
Support peace in Nepal with Nagarik Aawaz
The annual online sale has started and continues to Friday November 26. There’s an amazing selection of one-of-a-kind items, all fair trade and supporting small and marginalized entrepreneurs. Handmade paper, greeting cards, baskets, bags, kids’ toys, jewellery and scarves. Curbside pickup in Cabbagetown on Sunday November 28 and Monday November 29. Check out the selections on the website.
Annual auction for the Children’s Book Bank
The auction has started - 150 of your favourite things. You can bid on a cottage getaway, wine lovers’ packages, crafters’ kits, Leafs’ tickets, an iPhone 12, Lego lovers’ package, and lots more. Visit the auction website and make your bid from now until 6 pm on November 30. The auction’s goal is $20,000 and $12,800 has been raised so far. All proceeds go toward the Children’s Book Bank.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
House for sale
This spectacular detached duplex at 182 Seaton Street is currently listed for sale at $1,799,000. Easily convertible to a single family or multi-generational home, it is a beauty not to be missed! Potential for a 1660 sq/ft laneway house exists. Contact your realtor or the Listing Agent Alan Read-Chua, Broker, Sutton Group – Associates Realty Inc., Brokerage (416 825-1803) for further information. View the Video Tour online here.
Apartment for rent
Available January 1. Spacious one-bedroom Cabbagetown basement apartment, fully furnished. Private entrance through gorgeous garden, high-ceilinged living room with dining space and kitchen, dressing room, bathroom with big shower, full-sized washer/dryer, bedroom. Use of part of garden. Startlingly tranquil, ideal location. $1700 a month including utilities and high-speed wifi. Quiet reliable person with references. Prefer long term but short term also possible, one month minimum. Email Beth for more info.
Maison Tortue is open again
Mary Spence-Thomas has opened her home in France once again for 2022 bookings. By all accounts, it’s a great holiday destination. Carol Moore-Ede and Jim Keffer have been there and Carol writes, “Looking for a perfect European getaway? Look no further! Thanks to Doug’s Blog, Jim and I discovered Mary Spence-Thomas’s charming 3-storey abode, Maison Tortue, located on a hilltop in Castelnau-de-Montmiral in the Occitanie region in Southwest France (formerly the Midi-Pyrénées). It was our base for a memorable 2-week holiday where we relaxed, and explored the nearby towns of Albi, Cahors, Cordes-sur-Ciel, Puycelci, Penne among others.” Check it out online here.
IN THE MEDIA
Boycott the Olympics
Cabbagetown’s Eric Morse (a retired diplomat with Canada’s External Affairs) has written an op-ed piece in the Globe & Mail about a possible boycott of the Winter Olympics in Beijing. He stirred up lots of comments - pro and con.
A condo at the Phoenix
Plans have been announced to replace the Phoenix concert facility (410 Sherbourne) with a 39-storey condo. It’ll house 456 units with 4 studios, 299 one-bedrooms, 121 two-bedrooms and 32 three-bedrooms plus a small retail space on the first floor. The project is outside the Northwest Heritage District and across the street from 405 and 383-387 Sherbourne where two high-rises are now in the works. Urban Toronto has written a report that gives the details. blogTO has a short article that outlines the project proposals and possible problems.COMING EVENTS
Regent Park Film Festival
The festival is back this year from November 25 to December 2 with online events and an in-person screening. There’ll be films by local filmmakers, family friendly events and industry panels with emerging directors. The programs are free - click here for the full program and schedules. The in-person event is an outdoor show with heat lamps and hot chocolate to keep away the cold. There’s an online summary by the CBC.
Save the date - Fall CPA meeting
The Cabbagetown Preservation Association will hold its Fall meeting at 7 pm on Thursday December 2. The agenda includes presentation of the Streetscape in Bloom Award and the CPA Recognition Award. Helen Coltrinari is this year’s recipient of the Recognition Award - a well-deserved honour for her long and productive work in our community. The Streetscape award goes to 439 Wellesley East for its fine garden. Following these items, Scott Weir from ERA Architects will give his talk. It’s a Zoom meeting - register here.
Founder’s Dinner
The annual Founder’s Dinner at Enoch Turner Schoolhouse (106 Trinity) takes place on Friday December 3. It’s a traditional Canadian celebration with hors d’oeuvres, Christmas dinner, wine, carolling, and live performances. Hosted by Barbara Budd with special guests Michael Meighan and Michael Enright. $150. Get your ticket here.
THEATRE & DANCE
Impulse 2021
This year’s showcase from the School of Toronto Dance Theatre includes a special dinner and show fundraiser. A three-course dinner from Daniel et Daniel (248 Carlton) will be delivered to your home on Thursday December 2 and you’ll get a link to a live online preview of this year’s performance. Included in your gift will be tickets to any live in-person performance on December 3, 4, 10 or 11. $130. For more info about the performance, the menu and ordering details, go to the Eventrite site.
Native Earth
Weesageechak Begins To Dance 34 - the annual development festival of new Indigenous works in theatre, dance and multidisciplinary creations. Onstage now to Saturday November 27, Aki Studio (Daniels Spectrum, 585 Dundas E).
Soulpepper
Soulpepper is performing the Canadian premiere of Draw Me Close. Onstage to December 12. This is an individual interactive performance and admission is timed. Young Centre (50 Tank House Lane, Distillery). Sold out to Sunday December 12.
RESTAURANT NEWS
American Thanksgiving
Tonight, Thursday November 25. All of our American friends - and their families and pals - are invited to a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, veggies, cranberries and gravy. Two local restaurants are offering this feast - House on Parliament (454 Parliament) and The Irv (195 Carlton).
Congrats to NomNomNom
Our new coffee shop at 492 Parliament (side door on Aberdeen) got a nifty review in Curiocity. It praises their mix of great coffee and good art.
Kibo’s success story
Kibo opened its Cabbagetown restaurant in 2012 and it was the first of thirty currently operating in the group. blogTO has written about its success.
Cyril’s soup
This week’s soup is Moroccan vegetable stew. It was the winner in a vey complicated voting process that Cyril conducted among his customers. It’s got lots of vegetables and lots of spices. The juice is a Moroccan mocktail. 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 NOVEMBER 25 TO SUNDAY DECEMBER 5
If there's a cover charge or tickets are sold, the prices are listed.
THURSDAY NOVEMBER 25
Regent Park Film Festival
Zoom event, free
Draw Me Close - individual interactive performance, admission is timed. Tickets are sold out to Sunday December 12. Soulpepper Theatre, Young Centre (50 Tank House Lane).
American Thanksgiving dinner
House on Parliament (454 Parliament) and The Irv (195 Carlton)
Weesageechak Begins To Dance 34, Native Earth
Aki Studio Theatre (585 Dundas E)
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 26
Regent Park Film Festival
Zoom event, free
Draw Me Close - individual interactive performance, admission is timed. Tickets are sold out to Sunday December 12. Soulpepper Theatre, Young Centre (50 Tank House Lane).
Weesageechak Begins To Dance 34, Native Earth
Aki Studio Theatre (585 Dundas E)
SATURDAY NOVEMBER 27
Regent Park Film Festival
Zoom event, free
Draw Me Close - individual interactive performance, admission is timed. Tickets are sold out to Sunday December 12. Soulpepper Theatre, Young Centre (50 Tank House Lane).
Weesageechak Begins To Dance 34, Native Earth
Aki Studio Theatre (585 Dundas E)
SUNDAY NOVEMBER 28
Regent Park Film Festival
Zoom event, free
Draw Me Close - individual interactive performance, admission is timed. Tickets are sold out to Sunday December 12. Soulpepper Theatre, Young Centre (50 Tank House Lane).
Yoga Flow with Alex - indoors
10:30 am. Parliament Street Fitness (488 Parliament). Members are free, non-members welcome, $15.
Yoga in the Park
2 pm, Saint Luke’s United Church, Allan Gardens (Sherbourne and Jarvis), free
MONDAY NOVEMBER 29
Regent Park Film Festival
Zoom event, free
Trivia at Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia, hosted by Josh Fishbane. (221 Carlton)
TUESDAY NOVEMBER 30
Regent Park Film Festival
Zoom event, free
Draw Me Close - individual interactive performance, admission is timed. Tickets are sold out to Sunday December 12. Soulpepper Theatre, Young Centre (50 Tank House Lane).
Trivia at Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia, hosted by Josh Fishbane. (221 Carlton)
WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 1
Regent Park Film Festival
Zoom event, free
Draw Me Close - individual interactive performance, admission is timed. Tickets are sold out to Sunday December 12. Soulpepper Theatre, Young Centre (50 Tank House Lane).
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.
THURSDAY DECEMBER 2
Regent Park Film Festival
Zoom event, free
Cabbagetown Preservation Association - Fall meeting
7 pm, Zoom event.
Draw Me Close - individual interactive performance, admission is timed. Tickets are sold out to Sunday December 12. Soulpepper Theatre, Young Centre (50 Tank House Lane).
FRIDAY DECEMBER 3
Founder’s Dinner - annual Christmas gala
6 pm, Enoch Turner Schoolhouse (106 Trinity), $150.
Draw Me Close - individual interactive performance, admission is timed. Tickets are sold out to Sunday December 12. Soulpepper Theatre, Young Centre (50 Tank House Lane).
SATURDAY DECEMBER 4
Draw Me Close - individual interactive performance, admission is timed. Tickets are sold out to Sunday December 12. Soulpepper Theatre, Young Centre (50 Tank House Lane).
SUNDAY DECEMBER 5
Yoga Flow with Alex - indoors
10:30 am. Parliament Street Fitness (488 Parliament). Members are free, non-members welcome, $15.
Yoga in the Park
2 pm, Saint Luke’s United Church, Allan Gardens (Sherbourne and Jarvis), free
Draw Me Close - individual interactive performance, admission is timed. Tickets are sold out to Sunday December 12. Soulpepper Theatre, Young Centre (50 Tank House Lane).
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.