December 9

This week’s image: These kids are checking out the books at the Children’s Book Bank table during Holiday in the Patch.

CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD 

REVIEW

 

FEATURED ARTIST

Ray Prince

Ray died in October 2020 after living in his Cabbagetown home for over 50 years. He was an accomplished woodworker and turner. He sourced his wood from reclaimed material as much as possible and frequently used exotic species that he had found beautiful in both texture and form.  He leaves behind an incredible body of work including intricate bowls, boxes and sculptures. For over twenty years, he was a member of the group who organized the annual Cabbagetown Art & Crafts show in Riverdale Park. He left a bursary in his name, awarded annually to the most accomplished woodworker at the Festival each fall.

CHRISTMAS IS COMING

Congrats to the Toronto Miracle

The city-wide food drive was a success.  Over 2,000 pounds of food were collected in Cabbagetown, almost 10% of the city-wide total.  Thanks to everybody who donated.  And special thanks to local volunteers and to Sandy and Lou for their hard work putting it all together.  For a full report on the project, go to the Toronto Miracle website.

Christmas at Allan Gardens 

Poinsettias are on display in the Conservatory. Open daily from 10 am to 4 pm, last entry at 3:45 pm. (Jarvis and Carlton, 19 Horticulktural Ave).

Santa paws at the Sumach  

Santa had a fun visit at the Sumach (146 Sumach at Shuter) on Saturday. Visitors and residents were invited to bring a pet to meet him.   There were the usual friendly dogs. Churchy La Femme came along on her friend’s shoulder.

Santa at Carlton and Parliament  

The Cabbagetown BIA had another of its successful annual Christmas launch events last weekend.  The Children’s Book Bank gave souvenir books to each child who visited their table.  Santa received lots of kids at safe distances for a quick chat.  The Christmas tree was decorated.  

Thanks to Virginia at the Cabbagetown BIA

Holiday in the Patch is an annual BIA project.  Virginia is the Executive Director.  Throughout the Fall, she’s supervised a series of successful events in the BIA’s busy schedule - music on the street, Halloween, the Annual Meeting and Holiday in the Patch.  

Christmas Lights Contest

An amazing number of homes are being decorated for the Christmas season.  Lights, ribbons, wreathes and inflatables are popping up every where. Once again, the Cabbagetown Residents Association is organizing a community contest to select the best home display.  Nominate your favourite (even your own!) by email or on Facebook or Twitter. Enclose a photo and be sure to list the home address. Voting happens until December 26.  For more information, check out the CRA website.

Distillery Winter Village

The Distillery’s annual Christmas celebration is back for its seventh year. New vendors, fine dining and snack cabins.  Santa will visit along with strolling carollers and buskers.  Tickets are required for Friday, Saturday and Sunday - $8.  Click here to visit the Distillery’s website.

LOCAL NEWS

Regent Park progress report

Spacing Magazine along with the Metcalf Foundation and the University of Toronto has published a 47-page update on the revitalization in Regent Park.  It looks at “the built form, social development, community benefits and the broader housing policy environment.” Spacing’s website has a link to the report.  Tridel and TCHC have set up a website that goes through the various questions that need answers and the various opportunities that will arise for public input - there’s a link to a survey about the project’s vision and final design.

Mount Pleasant cemeteries

The Necropolis is part of the Mount Pleasant Group of Cemeteries.  Ontario MPP Jessica Bell and Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam have long been involved in a series of steps to preserve the Group as a public trust and to prevent its privatization.  At stake is the future of ten cemeteries, 1222 acres of land and hundreds of millions of dollars in bank reserves.  Ms Bell’s private member’s bill in the Legislature will amend several Acts and strengthen this claim as a public trust.

Heart2Heart

Nick Rondinelli reports that Heart2Heart (216 Carlton) is now providing free training and equipment to front line workers who will most likely come face to face with drug overdose emergencies.  He recently surveyed graduates from the program - 46% had already used the skills that they learned and 32% had used the supplies in their back packs.  By now, 140 workers have received the training.  Nick describes this as “investing in them is investing in humanity.”  

Another bridge has arrived

The fourth new bridge for the waterfront arrived in Toronto from Nova Scotia on December 4. This one will cross the Polson Slip on Cherry Street  at the future mouth of the Don River.  Waterfront Toronto has prepared a short video about these bridges and the special techniques used to install them.  

Congrats to the award winners

David and Ann Ralston won the 2021 Peggy Kurtin Award from the Cabbagetown Preservation Association.  They received it for the outstanding restoration of their house at 324 Wellesley. (Image:   Rosie Shephard watercolour).

Rita, Tasha & Zara were given the 2021 Streetscapes in Bloom award for their garden at 439 Wellesley.  (Photo: CPA)

Outdoor skating at Winchester Park

Trish reports that an application for a permit is now in the works at the City’s parks department.  The neighbourhood outdoor rink will be assembled and prepared in January with a February deadline for your skating pleasure. (Photo: last year's rink under construction)

Skating season is open

All three public rinks in our local parks are now open - Sherbourne Common (5 Lower Sherbourne), Regent Park Athletic Grounds (480 Shuter) and Riverdale Park East (550 Broadview). Check out the City’s website for up-to-date info on openings and closures at each rink.

COVID cases in our schools

The Toronto Star’s app describing cases in our schools lists two schools in our neighbourhood with a student case - Market Lane and Rosedale Heights School of the Arts. The cases at Our Lady of Lourdes and Lord Dufferin have been cleared.  This information is up-to-date on Wednesday December 8 at 2 pm.

Coyote in Riverdale Park

Doreen took this photo on Wednesday.  Apparently, the coyote was checking out dogs in the park and then turned back into the Farm.  (Photo:  Doreen Fumia).

Another helpful sign

Every so often, one of the City’s signs gives us a useful warning.  This one is stuck on a fence at the Regent Park skating rink.

Cabbagetown Regent Park Museum Historical Tidbit

By Sally Gibson.  “Jacques & Hay” was a mark of distinction for Victorian furniture.  John Jacques was one-half of the cabinetmaking / entrepreneurial team that transformed a small, two-person, craft enterprise into the largest furniture company in British North America. In 1831, English-born Jacques immigrated to Toronto where he met Scotsman, Robert Hay. The duo established their partnership in 1835. By mid-century, their steam-operated manufactory on the waterfront near the foot of Bay Street employed 300 and churned out everything from inexpensive everyday furniture for the average Canadian to highly polished custom pieces for the province’s – and country’s – elite.  Osgoode Hall, University College, Government House, Spadina House and Rideau Hall were among their clients. After retiring from the business in 1870, Jacques devoted himself to making more money by investing in banks, railways, and mortgages. He left a tidy sum when he died at home on February 14, 1886. His funeral across town at the Necropolis was attended by “a large number of the oldest and most prominent citizens,” the Globe reported. Jacques’s “fine cloth casket with solid silver trappings,” was lowered into the ground beneath a modest monument – no ornamental flourishes here - that stands guard today.  Image:  John Jacques ca 1885,  Mulvany History of Toronto and Co of York

IN THE MEDIA

What You Won’t Do For Love

David Suzuki and Tara Cullis star in their new film, What You Won’t Do For Love. Lifelong partners Suzuki and Cullis share their adventures, inspiration and love with newlyweds Miriam and Sturia.   It’s streaming now from Soulpepper.  Johanna Schneller interviewed them for the Globe & Mail. The online film is on now to December 19.  For tickets and more info, click here. (Photo: Why Not Theatre Company)

Mustafa at Massey Hall

Mustafa is a poet and songwriter who’s graduated from his Regent Park origins to centre stage at Massey Hall.  NOW Magazine’s Richard Tapunski reviewed his concert and gave it a context in Mustafa’s life experiences. (Photo:  Jag Gundu, Massey Hall). 

Artists evicted from the Distillery

The Distillery has unilaterally announced that artists who have leased spaces will be asked to leave in March to make room for a new school.  Peter Edwards has written about the impact of these early terminations in a Toronto Star article. (Photo:  Tapestry Opera)

Cabbagetowners in Kelowna

John Hill and Sally O’Grady moved from Cabbagetown to Kelowna in July.  Toronto Life has profiled their experiences and their move.  It’s a nifty story about two nice people.  (Photo:  Toronto Life) 

Destination Toronto

Doug O’Neill wrote about ten of Cabbagetown’s charming winter features in the December 7 issue of Destination Toronto.  At the same time, Ryan Hinkson listed six of his favourite Cabbagetown weekend brunch locations.  (Photo: Cabbagetown BIA)

BUSINESS NEWS

Welcome to The Great Mallard

Christina and Jon are operating their new store, The Great Mallard (503 Parliament), as a presentation spot for Canadian artists and craft makers.  There’s stuffed dolls, soaps, furniture, clothing and more.  They’re recreating the atmosphere of a Farmers’ Market here in the city.

Cabbagetown Organics

Christmas supplies are now in stock at Cabbagetown Organics (499 Parliament). They’ve got everything you need for a sweet occasion.

THEATRE & DANCE

Citadel 

Larry’s Christmas Cabaret happens this weekend, Saturday December 11.  It’s the Citadel’s quirky annual celebration of local acts, festive cheer and a late night bar.  Click here for more info and tickets.  304 Parliament.

Wintersong

For 22 years, Canadian Contemporary Dance Theatre (509 Parliament)  has brightened the winter solstice with dance.  This year, it’s the world premiere of Star Seed by Rodney Diverlus and Alyssa Martin.  Also on the program, Nowell Sing We and A Day of Light.  8 pm on December 10 and 11 and 2 pm on December 12 at the Fleck Dance Theatre (207 Queens Quay West).  

Soulpepper - Draw Me Close

The Canadian premiere of Draw Me Close is onstage until December 12.  Performances are llsted as “sold out”.  Young Centre (50 Tank House Lane, Distillery).  

RESTAURANT NEWS

Save the date for Santa

Sunday December 19 from 1 to 4 pm - a toy, toque and food drive at The Irv (195 Carlton).  Bring unopened food, special toys and your used hats and mitts.  Get a photo with Santa.  There’ll be mulled wine, hot chocolate and Christmas music on the heated patio.

EVENTS, CLUBS & PUBS – DAILY LISTINGS

THURSDAY DECEMBER 9 TO SUNDAY DECEMBER 19

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

THURSDAY DECEMBER 9

HIT Training with Adem

7:15 am.  Parliament Street Fitness (488 Parliament).  Members are free, non-members 8-week package at $50. 

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).

What You Won’t Do For Love  - online streaming event

Soulpepper,  Young Centre (50 Tank House Lane)

 

FRIDAY DECEMBER 10

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). 

What You Won’t Do For Love  - online streaming event

Soulpepper,  Young Centre (50 Tank House Lane)

SATURDAY DECEMBER 11

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).

Larry’s Christmas Cabaret - dance and amusements

8 pm for 9 pm, Citadel, 304 Parliament, $25

Wintersong - dance

8 pm, CCDT, Fleck Dance Theatre (207 Queens Quay W)

What You Won’t Do For Love  - online streaming event

Soulpepper,  Young Centre (50 Tank House Lane)

SUNDAY DECEMBER 12

Yoga Flow with Alex - indoors

10:30 am.  Parliament Street Fitness (488 Parliament).  Members are free, drop-ins welcome, $15.

Yoga in the Park

2 pm, Saint Luke’s United Church, Allan Gardens (Sherbourne and Jarvis), free

Wintersong - dance

2 pm, CCDT, Fleck Dance Theatre (207 Queens Quay W)

Draw Me Close - final performance, admission is timed.  Tickets are sold out to Sunday December 12.  Soulpepper Theatre, Young Centre (50 Tank House Lane).

What You Won’t Do For Love  - online streaming event

Soulpepper,  Young Centre (50 Tank House Lane)

MONDAY DECEMBER 13

Trivia at Stout Irish Pub

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

What You Won’t Do For Love  - online streaming event

Soulpepper,  Young Centre (50 Tank House Lane)

TUESDAY DECEMBER 14

HIT Training with Warren

5:30 pm.  Parliament Street Fitness (488 Parliament).  Members are free, non-members welcome for 8-week package at $50.

Trivia at Stout Irish Pub

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

What You Won’t Do For Love  - online streaming event

Soulpepper,  Young Centre (50 Tank House Lane)

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 15

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.

What You Won’t Do For Love  - online streaming event

Soulpepper,  Young Centre (50 Tank House Lane)

THURSDAY DECEMBER 16

HIT Training with Adam

7:15 am.  Parliament Street Fitness (488 Parliament).  Members are free, non-members welcome for 8-week package at $50.

What You Won’t Do For Love  - online streaming event

Soulpepper,  Young Centre (50 Tank House Lane)

FRIDAY DECEMBER 17

What You Won’t Do For Love  - online streaming event

Soulpepper,  Young Centre (50 Tank House Lane)

SATURDAY DECEMBER 18

What You Won’t Do For Love  - online streaming event

Soulpepper,  Young Centre (50 Tank House Lane)

SUNDAY DECEMBER 19

Toys, toques and food drive with Santa

1 to 4 pm, The Irv, (195 Carlton)

Yoga Flow with Alex - indoors

10:30 am.  Parliament Street Fitness (488 Parliament).  Members are free, drop-ins welcome, $15.

Yoga in the Park

2 pm, Saint Luke’s United Church, Allan Gardens (Sherbourne and Jarvis), free

What You Won’t Do For Love  - online streaming event

Soulpepper,  Young Centre (50 Tank House Lane)