February 24

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

Over the past week, water levels have increased in the Don. Bayview Ave south of River and the lower Don Valley Parkway are vulnerable. Although the river receded on Thursday toward more normal levels, the trail on the west side of the river is quite wet and the river banks are cold and slippery. We’re advised to stay away until the shore dries up.

Tasha Kheiriddin

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.  

Residents’ petition about The Beer Store

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). 

Meeting with the developers and The Beer Store

Rick Matthews reports that Councillor Kristyn Wong Tam, residents from Cabbagetown South, the Cabbagetown heritage committee, Stafford Homes, staff from the City of Toronto and The Beer Store met to discuss the new store. Residents asked for a smaller store located in the middle of the building. They also want two-way traffic on both Ontario and Seaton north of the new lane behind the building and bump-outs to prevent trucks from turning into the residential area. The heritage committee presented reactions to the building’s materials and design. 

Hidden Gardens & Private Spaces

The 2022 garden tour is happening on Sunday June 5. Organizers are now looking for gardens to include and for volunteers. It’s a popular Spring event sponsored by the Cabbagetown Preservation Association. If you’d like to be included, please email either Sarah or Helen.

Cabbagetown Festival

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)

Updates - public skating rinks

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.

Toboggan hill in the park

Doreen took this photo on Tuesday showing how incredibly slippery the hill has become in Riverdale Park.  (Photo:  Doreen Fumia).

Enoch Turner and the Blackburn Family

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.

Two kids’ programs at Central Neighbourhood House

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.

Children’s Book Bank

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.

Parliament Street Fitness

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.

The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui

Bertolt Brecht’s play is presented by Canadian Stage (26 Berkeley) for two-days, February 25 and 26. Details and tickets are available here.

The War Being Waged

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.

Nested

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.

Cyril’s soup

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.