January 27

This week’s image:  Six local groups have joined together to support Dixon Hall’s fundraiser.  




CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD 

REVIEW

 



FEATURED ARTIST


Charles Gibbons

Charles Gibbons’ abstract art has been exhibited in galleries, museums and art fairs around the world for more than thirty years. He’s been featured in solo and group shows, television programs, magazine articles and a book. He’s lived in Cabbagetown for the past 35 years.  His works are on Instagram and his personal description of his work is on his website. Contact him by email


BoxCar 11, 2011

Acrylic on canvas, 26 x 26”, 66 x 66cm


A PERSONAL VIEW 


Some good news

Not every restaurant report during the COVID lockdowns is sad.  There are brave people expanding or starting a new place.  Butter Chicken Factory has created a new location across the street on the northwest corner of Prospect and Parliament. Kingyo Izakaya (51A Winchester) has closed while it changes its interior and rebrands itself.  Several new locations are appearing soon - Church’s Chicken (Parliament and Winchester), L’Avenue (Parliament and Amelia) and My Pandan Cake (245 Gerrard).  And there are new places that have survived for several months despite these troubles - Pastor Tacos (245 Gerrard), Fattoush Levantine Diner (253 Gerrard) and NomNomNom (492 Parliament). Congrats and best wishes to everybody.


LOCAL NEWS


Food security fundraiser

Six local groups have joined together again to raise funds for Dixon Hall’s Neighbours Helping Neighbours campaign.  Last year’s fundraiser collected over $13,000.  To learn more and to contribute, click here and follow the links.

Cabbagetown Youth Centre

The CYC has merged with the Toronto Kiwanis Boys & Girls Club (now called the BGC Toronto Kiwanis). That merger is now mainly completed. Art Eggleton serves on its Board of Directors and he’s chairing its fundraising campaign. Their target is $3 million for capital repairs at 2 Lancaster and for future core programming. The Cabbagetown Boxing Club will continue and the building will still be called the Cabbagetown Youth Centre. Work at 2 Lancaster is going ahead and will hopefully be finished in April for an official reopening in May. Half of the capital funds have been raised and Art plans to do a community campaign later in the Spring.


CYC repairs

Termites are one of the many challenges to be repaired at 2 Lancaster.  Art Eggleton has forwarded this photo showing rotten beams.


Waterfront Toronto

The five-year plan for Waterfront Toronto for 2022 to 2027 has been published.  Among its major highlights for 2022 - Commissioner Street and the New Cherry Street will open, connecting Villers Island to the mainland.  A development partner will be negotiated for Quayside and the design for the Parliament Slip will be advanced, depending on provincial and federal funding.  Click here to read the plan.


Thanks, Carter

Carter Trozzolo became a social media phenomenon with one big sigh and a lot of snow shovelling.  The folks at Royal Home Hardware (485 Parliament) have given him some snow shovels, ice melter and a toboggan to help him with his work.


Home insurance rates

Concern is growing that we’re paying higher insurance rates because our homes are located in a heritage district.  The National Trust is dedicated to heritage conservation across Canada.  The Trust recognizes the difficult pressures on the insurance industry but is also worried about stories of cancellations and higher rates.  The questionnaire will help to clarify the issues and obtain data that can be used in discussions with the industry and with government.  This link connects to the covering story.  This second link goes to the five-minute survey. Please reply by Thursday February 17.


The Wink is back

Trish Finkelstein and her volunteer crew have rebuilt their natural ice rink in Winchester Park (530 Ontario at Prospect).  It’s open now.  Skaters are asked to book a 30-minute reservation for themselves and no more than 6 other people at the Calendly link in the “About” section on Facebook.  (Photo: Trish Finkelstein)


Wink needs volunteers

Join the team who’re putting together the outdoor skating rink at The Wink.  If you want to be a volunteer, contact Trish by email. (Photo: Trish Finkelstein)


Wink donors

Thanks go out to two generous supporters.  Bill Renieris at Royal Home Hardware (485 Parliament) donated a wagon to The Wink to haul the 50-foot hoses around when the rink needs extra water.  Carolyn Jarman and her family contributed the straw bales that are used for the seating area at the rink.  As he did last year, Mark Michelin at St James Town Steak & Chops (516 Parliament)  has been a strong supporter.  Shout-outs also go to the Royal St Georges’ Community, Just Hockey Source for Sports and the Cabbagetown Residents Association. (Photo: Trish Finkelstein)


Another weekly gripe - excess salt

Our sidewalks are littered with salt.  When City of Toronto workers spread it around (presumably to assist seniors), they use far too much of it.  This photo comes from the Gooderham & Worts Neighbourhood Association.  


Updates - public skating rinks

One rink is open on Thursday January 27 - Riverdale Park East (550 Broadview). Two public rinks in our local parks are snow covered and they’re closed while snow removal is underway  - Regent Park Athletic Grounds (480 Shuter) and Sherbourne Common (5 Lower Sherbourne), Check out the City’s website for up-to-date info on openings and closures at each rink.


Gettin’ tough

This shirtless jogger was captured by L A Flynn on the Cabbagetown Residents Association page.


COMING EVENTS


Doogie & Dun

Duncan Fremlin and his singing pal Doogie will be performing live online on Friday January 28 at 6 pm.  It’s a free concert.  Grab a bottle of wine or a cocktail and some snacks.  They’ll be doing a Beatles segment.  Here’s the link.


Skate it forward

The Wink (Winchester Park, Ontario and Prospect) is organizing a skate giveaway on Saturday February 5 from 11 am to 3 pm.  Last year, we donated unwanted skates to The Wink and now these skates will go back out to people who need them.  


Cabbagetown Tai Chi

Michael White and his friends are meeting for their Tai Chi sessions on Zoom on Monday and Thursday mornings.  They want to get together at the Toronto Kiwanis Boys & Girls Club (101 Spruce) on Monday mornings but this will be delayed until next week at the earliest.  Interested people are invited to join - call Michael at (416) 926-9553 or email him.  


IN THE MEDIA


Regent Park rallies to help a family

Donovan Vincent describes how a father has been working to raise his triplet daughters in Regent Park after his wife died.  The neighbourhood has rallied to his aid.  Click here to read the Toronto Star story.  (Photo:  Giovanni Capriotti, Toronto Star)


BUSINESS NEWS


Suppli is growing

Suppli offers reusable take-out containers for restaurants.  They calculate that over 20,000 single-use containers have been saved from the waste bin so far.  Participating restaurants use Suppli’s stainless steel containers for your meal.  You then rinse them out and drop them off at a nearby collection point.  And every time you refer a friend, Suppli donates $1 to Second Harvest to fight food insecurity. Check out the website and sign up today.  Your account is free.


The Children’s Book Bank

The Book Bank’s new home in the Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E) is ready and it’ll open on Saturday February 5.  Community drop-ins welcome on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10 am to 5 pm and Saturday from 10 am to 3 pm.  School visits on Monday and Friday, 10 am to 3 pm.  Closed Sunday.


Tune-up time at Cycle Solutions

Beat the rush! The people at Cycle Solutions (444 Parliament) are ready to do your bike’s Spring tune-up.  To make your reservation, go to the website and click on the big green button.  


Photos wanted

Robin at Fair Trade Jewellery (576 Parliament) wants to create a story about the heritage building where FTJCo now has its home. It was previously the Nettleships store and the Taggart family lived in the attached building next door. Anyone with archival photos is asked to contact him - he’s especially interested in pictures of the building before the front retail store was added to it.


RESTAURANT NEWS


Suppli’s restaurant partners

When you have a Suppli account (it’s free!), your order from these restaurants will come in your Suppli container.  Haldi (568 Parliament), Gushi (296 Gerrard E), Tokyo Ramen (568 Parliament), Shalom (587 Parliament), Noushe (200 Carlton), Daniel et Daniel Food Shop (248 Carlton), Fattoush (253 Gerrard E) and Sukhothai Canary (490 Front E)


The new rules

Restrictions on restaurants and pubs will be eased on Monday January 31.  You’ll need QR proof of vaccination on a phone.  Masks will be in required to enter the establishment, move around and use the washrooms. The restaurant or pub will be able to seat 50% of its capacity.  Customers will not be permitted to sing or dance. This system will be in force at least until February 21 to allow public health workers to judge the impact of Omicron.  


My Pandan Cake

Gail Gordon Oliver sampled some cakes and wrote this review. “This place, which opened 5 months ago, somehow escaped my radar and I think lots of other people's, too. It's a wonderful little Singaporean pastry shop on Gerrard near Ontario. They specialize in pandan (and other flavour) chiffon cakes, as well as "magic cakes" (various desserts in containers or tin cans) and cheesecakes.  I went by there today and picked up a few things. Absolutely delicious, especially the magic cakes I got.”  246 Gerrard E.  (Photo:  Gail Gordon Oliver)

 

F’Amelia’s take home specials

Fresh and delicious food from the kitchen at F’Amelia.  When you order it, the chefs make it and pack it and then they ship it to you. Don’t forget - F’Amelia’s heated outdoor patio is open from 5 pm. Only four tables so reservations are needed.  If you want to take home all of F’Amelia’s products, just like the grocery store, check out Pasta Family. (416) 363-0666. 


The Irv

The Irv (195 Carlton) is closed this week and will reopen with indoor service on Monday January 31. Regan ran a pop-up restaurant in Newmarket last weekend and it was a big hit - they planned for 150 meals on Friday and did over 500!  So they closed in Toronto and took the entire staff to Newmarket for Saturday.


Cyril’s soup

Thai-inspired sweet potato, lime and ginger soup.  If you like some heat with Thai food, add some diluted chili paste to your dish at home.  His juice is a favourite, winter citrus.  Soup is $3 cup, 10 or more cups at $2.50 each.  Juice is 2 cups for $9.  Send him an email to place your order.

January 20

This week’s image:  the Wellesley Cottages during Monday morning’s snow storm.  




CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD 

REVIEW

 




FEATURED ARTIST


Charles Gibbons

Charles Gibbons’ abstract art has been exhibited in galleries, museums and art fairs around the world for more than thirty years. He’s been featured in solo and group shows, television programs, magazine articles and a book. He’s lived in Cabbagetown for the past 35 years.  His works are on Instagram and his personal description of his work is on his website. Contact him by email


BoxCar 9, 2011

Acrylic and iridescent paint on canvas, 26x26”, 66x66cm


LOCAL NEWS


Snow storm photos

Monday’s storm inspired all kinds of beautiful images. Click on them to see a larger version.

Heather Grant took this one in her backyard.


Mary Spence-Thomas posted this photo on Monday night.


These kids showed Lawrence Bernstein how to enjoy snow. 

Parking is always a problem


Michael O’Brien’s photo captures a common dilemma.


People on Spruce Street had a big problem.


And this guy had his own ideas.

The Wink is back

Trish Finkelstein and her volunteer crew have rebuilt their natural ice rink in Winchester Park (530 Ontario at Prospect).  It will open on the weekend, January 22.  Her Facebook page will also be active again. Starting on Friday morning, skaters are asked to book a 30-minute reservation for themselves and no more than 6 other people at the Calendly link in the “About” section on Facebook.  (Photo: The Wink under construction, January 15, Trish Finkelstein)

Wink needs volunteers

Join the team who’re putting together the outdoor skating at The Wink.  If you want to be a volunteer, contact Trish by email.

Riverdale Farm tree

The decorated Christmas tree in Riverdale Farm (Winchester and Sumach) is a lovely sight, especially now during COVID times when a walk at night is one of our few undiluted pleasures.  Someone named “bw” contacted the Farm staff to request that the lights be left on until January 6, Epiphany on the Christmas calendar.  (Last year, they were shut off on December 27.) They were left on.  Thanks to the Farm people and to “bw” for taking the time to make this request.

Park closures

Riverdale Farm (Winchester and Sumach) is open from 9 am to 5 pm daily - masks and social distancing are required.  Swimming at the Pam McConnell Aquatic Centre (640 Dundas) and programming and drop-ins at the Wellesley Community Centre (495 Sherbourne), the Regent Park Community Centre (402 Shuter) and the St Lawrence Community Recreation Centre (230 The Esplanade) are closed. The Conservatory at Allan Gardens (Jarvis and Carlton) is closed.

Library closures

The Parliament Street Library (269 Gerrard E) is open as usual.  The library in the Wellesley Community Centre (Sherbourne and Wellesley) and the St Lawrence Library (171 Front)  are closed in response to the pressures created by Omicron.

Updates - public skating rinks

All three public rinks in our local parks are snow covered on Thursday January 20 and they’re closed while snow removal is underway  - Regent Park Athletic Grounds (480 Shuter),  Riverdale Park East (550 Broadview) and Sherbourne Common (5 Lower Sherbourne), Check out the City’s website for up-to-date info on openings and closures at each rink.

The weekly gripe

This kind of sloppy work has been going on all across the neighbourhood. Supposedly, this is an asphalt repair on a sidewalk.

Here’s an optimist

I’m always amazed by guys who ride their bikes in the snow.  I can’t. This man walked his bike along Wellesley up to Parliament on Tuesday morning. 

Tune-up time at Cycle Solutions

Beat the rush! The people at Cycle Solutions (444 Parliament) are ready to do your bike’s Spring tune-up.  To make your reservation, go to the website and click on the big green button.  

Cabbagetown Regent Park Museum Historical Tidbit

By Sally Gibson.  Early in the New Year of 1876, assorted gentlemen, suitably stuffed with their festive turkey dinners, cast around for some good exercise. Ah, yes. A traditional turkey shooting contest. What seems OK as a meal, seems quite horrid to many modern minds as an entertainment. But bah, humbug to lily-livered commentators. The group traipsed down to the frozen Don River and stopped south of Gerrard Street in view of the Don Jail. They primed their guns, opened the crates of birds, released their  victims, and fired away.   For more Cabbagetown history, photos and videos visit the CRPM Facebook page. (Image:  “Turkey shooting on the Don”. Canadian Illustrated News, January 6, 1876.)


COMING EVENTS


Third giveaway at the Children’s Book Bank

A third book giveaway is planned by the Children’s Book Bank (585 Dundas E)  for Saturday January 22, 10 am to 3 pm.  Drop by and get a package of books to take home and keep. Side door patio area at the Daniels Spectrum.

Cabbagetown Tai Chi

Michael White and his friends are meeting for their Tai Chi sessions on Zoom on Monday and Thursday mornings.  They want to get together at the Toronto Kiwanis Boys & Girls Club (101 Spruce) on Monday mornings but this will be delayed until next week at the earliest.  Interested people are invited to join - call Michael at (416) 926-9553 or email him.  

Waterfront for All

Lou Di Gironimo, General Manager for Toronto Water, will talk about Toronto’s water supply with a special emphasis on the Don River and the central waterfront.  January 25 at 7 pm. A Zoom meeting - click here to register. 


IN THE MEDIA


Volunteers build The Wink 

Toronto Life ran a story about five Toronto-area outdoor rinks and The Wink (530 Ontario at Prospect) was one of them. (Photo:  Trish Finkelstein).

Seaton House resident dies

Seaton House (339 George St) is Toronto’s largest shelter for homeless men.  One resident died from COVID-19 last weekend and 36 more are battling the disease.  Another 50 outbreaks are happening in shelters across Toronto’s system.  Muriel Draaisma posted a story on CBC News about the impact of the disease on Toronto’s homeless men. (Photo:  Robert Krbavac/CBC). 


RESTAURANT NEWS


Michael won’t stop

Nothing keeps him from his duties.  Check out the HoP’s daily specials and regular menu on its website.  House on Parliament (454 Parliament).

F’Amelia’s take home specials

Tagliatelle and meatballs on Tuesday, wild mushrooms with Parmigiano Reggiano and truffle oil on Wednesday, Margherita calzone and your choice of pizza on Thursday, white fish on Friday, chicken Parmigiana on Saturday and osso buco on Sundays.  Prices vary - details are online. Dinners are for two. Pick-ups start at 5 pm.  Don’t forget - F’Amelia’s heated outdoor patio is open from 5 pm. Only four tables so reservations are needed.  If you want to take home all of F’Amelia’s products, just like the grocery store, check out Pasta Family. (416) 363-0666.

Cranberries takeouts

For details and prices for each daily special, check out Cranberries’ website.  On Monday, chicken wings or chicken parmigiana. On Tuesday, cheese burger or blackened salmon. On Wednesday, chicken souvlaki or black Angus steak. On Thursday, chicken fusilli or Kashmiri chicken curry.  On Friday, fish and chips, chicken wings or beef Bourginon.  On Saturday, bbq ribs and wings or two-course pork dinner.  On Sunday, chicken breast or two-course roast beef dinner.  Call (416) 925-6330.  601 Parliament.

The Irv

Campfires were a success at The Irv (195 Carlton) over the past two weeks. Regan promises to keep on thinking up good ideas.

Temporary closings

Reyna on King (354 King E) has closed for both dine-in and takeout service.  They’ll be back on January 26 if the restrictions are lifted. Terroni (22 Sackville) is closed for eat-in dining. The grocery, takeouts and deliveries are still available - details on Terroni’s website.  8 am to 8 pm. Roselle (362 King E) has been closed for annual holidays.  They’re reopening on Saturday and Sunday, 11 am to 3 pm.

Cyril’s soup

It’s chili time again - and it’s a perfect time for it.  Cyril did a meatless version last week with cashews.  So, this week, he’s doing beef chili.  Pick your favourite starch to serve with it: rice, baked potato, nacho chips, rustic bread.  You can even change the toppings: sour cream, avocado, chopped tomatoes, shredded cheese - these are the most common ones.  His juice is pear, pomegranate and ginger.  Chili is $4 cup, 10 or more cups at $3.50 each.  Juice is 2 cups for $9.  Send him an email to place your order.