This week’s image: the Don River filled up to the top of its banks on Tuesday February 22.
CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD
REVIEW
FEATURED ARTIST
February is a month full of love
To celebrate, five local artists have agreed to send along an image full of love. This week, Marion Voysey has sent her photograph of two young people. You can reach Marion here.
LOCAL NEWS
Floods on the Don River
Ms Kheiriddin is considering a run for the federal Conservative leadership. She’s a Cabbagetown resident, a Principal (on leave) at Navigator Inc and a Tory activist. Although she doesn’t have a seat in Parliament, she’s a well-known party member and campaign advisor. She’s fluently bilingual and a political moderate. She has a hefty resume as a lawyer, a media commentator, an author and an academic lecturer. Check out her full story online here and follow her progress on Twitter and on Facebook.
The Georgian is a new condo that’s been approved for the old Beer Store site (227 Gerrard E). The Beer Store plans to replace its store with a big new one that will occupy most of the ground floor space allocated to retail. This has come as a disappointment for local residents who had hoped for a smaller boutique store. They fear that the bigger store will simply bring back all the disruptions that centred on the old location. They’ve started a petition to oppose this plan. Click here to sign it. (Photo: Cabbagetown South Residents Association).
The Parliament Street portion of the Festival may return this year on the usual date, September 10 and 11. It’s been closed for two years by the COVID lockdown rules. The Cabbagetown BIA Board is discussing the event and the type of program that it’ll offer. Several people have mentioned that a fresh approach is needed - the old format with street vendors, roadside patios and entertainment is getting shopworn. It’s a good time to tell the BIA any ideas that you may have for the event - email here.
Skating at The Wink
The weather has cooled again and the Wink has opened again on Thursday. There are spots available for skating on the weekend. Click here for updates and for reservations. (Photo: Parliament Street News)
Our three nearby rinks are open on Thursday February 24 - Riverdale Park East (550 Broadview), Regent Park Athletic Grounds (480 Shuter) and Sherbourne Common (5 Lower Sherbourne), Check out the City’s website for up-to-date info at each rink.
Doreen took this photo on Tuesday showing how incredibly slippery the hill has become in Riverdale Park. (Photo: Doreen Fumia).
The Blackburns were escaped slaves who reached Toronto in 1834 and created prosperous lives for themselves. Enoch Turner was an immigrant, a businessman and a brewer. Their lives were connected. The Enoch Turner Schoolhouse has posted an essay about their fascinating stories. (Photo: Karolyn Smardz Frost - the Blackburns’ grave in the Necropolis).
COMING EVENTS
Celebrating Black Art & Culture
The Regent Park School of Music is hosting a Zoom recital with faculty and students on Sunday February 27 at 1 pm. Click here to register.
IN THE MEDIA
New fence at Dundas & Sherbourne
Scott Laurie has reported in the Toronto Sun on the fencing erected by Toronto Community Housing around its William Dennison building (310 Dundas E). The facility houses seniors and has often been plagued by crowds and rowdy behaviour out front. Click here to read his story. (Photo: Scott Laurie, Toronto Sun).
KIDS EVENTS
Hoot & howl
The Toronto & Region Conservation Authority is hosting a Zoom event about owls and coyotes in the Toronto area. Thursday February 24, 6:30 to 8 pm. It’s aimed at viewers of all ages. Click here to register.
Central Neighbourhood House (349 Ontario Street) is holding a March Break camp for kids 7 to 12 years of age. March 14 to 18. $15 per day. The Kidz Klub is a free after-school program providing a safe place for kids to meet friends and to enjoy games, sports, arts and crafts. And there’s a healthy snack. Please email Maleeka Black or call her at (416) 797-5043 for more info and registration for each program.
The Book Bank’s new home in the Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E) is a bright comfy space. It’s open now. Monday and Friday - open for school groups only, 10 am to 3 pm. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday - drop ins, 10 am to 6 pm. Saturday - drop-ins from 10 am to 3 pm. Closed on Sundays. (Photo - staff members Lori and Roxanne).
IN OUR STORES
The Great Mallard
The Great Mallard (503 Parliament) is Cabbagetown’s home for unique vendors and products. This week, try Nature Lion’s gourmet mushroom growing kit. You’ll get four crops from one box. Reviewers on the company’s website say that it’s a fun way to enjoy a tasty homegrown meal. And while you’re there, find out about Christine’s plans for MapleLicious.
Life is getting back to normal again for PSF (488 Parliament). Appointments are available for registered massage therapy - Paul is booking Tuesday through Saturday, including evenings. HIIT classes, outdoor running classes and yoga are all scheduled. Monthly memberships are $99 with no initiation or cancellation fees. Click here to see the Facebook page.
THEATRE & DANCE NEWS
On Air
Citadel (304 Parliament) launches its new in-person season with Heidi Strauss’ On Air - a conversation between three women. 8 pm, February 26. Live streaming available also on February 25. Buy tickets here.
Bertolt Brecht’s play is presented by Canadian Stage (26 Berkeley) for two-days, February 25 and 26. Details and tickets are available here.
Native Earth (Daniels Spectrum, 585 Dundas E) presents an online production about three generations of Indigenous women. One woman becomes an activist while her brother goes to war. A grandmother raises her granddaughter with love, in community. And a granddaughter full of turmoil finds her voice. March 1 to April 3. For tickets and more info, click here.
Alumnae Theatre (70 Berkeley) opens its live productions with Liz Best’s Nested. Elaine and David have sold their family home, their kids are away and Grandma Rose is going to a retirement home. March 2 to 13. More info and tickets - click here.
YOUR ANNOUNCEMENTS
Earring
Earring found on Sunday February 13th in St. James Cemetery. If it's yours, please email James Wood or call him at (647) 701-7162.
RESTAURANT NEWS
LJS Khasos
Sadly, LJS Khasos (507 Parliament) has closed. It’s been a struggle for the new owners over the past year as COVID held back their efforts to promote and grow their business.
This week, it’s curried zucchini - with zucchini. potatoes, coconut milk, onions and curry powder. Juice is apple, carrot and ginger. Soup is $3/cup for 2 to 9 cups and $2.50 for 10 or more. Juice is $9/two cups. Email him to place your order.