CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD
REVIEW
FEATURED ARTIST
Rick McCarthy
Rick McCarthy is a fine artist, printmaker and sculptor. He’s lived in Cabbagetown for 40 years. He graduated from the Ontario College of Art in 1963 and has works in collections world wide. He is also a Hanshi (8th dan) in Shotokan Karate. For more info visit his website or follow him on Instagram at rickmccarthyart.
Paradise Triptych. Acrylic on canvas. 7’ x 12’
Cabbagetown Artists
This site introduces local artists to our local community. Six artists are featured here. They’ve been adding new images regularly. It’s a site where you can happily browse and see works by people you know. And you can purchase any that appeal to you. (This image: Michael Cavanaugh, Rainy Twilight)
LOCAL NEWS
Summer entertainment is here
Check the entertainment section (below) for info about outdoor summer movies, bands at Parkscape and buskers at the Distillery. The Tim Collins Band appeared at Parkscape on Wednesday.
Parkscape is open
On the day after it opened, the new Parkscape (Parliament between Carlton and Winchester) was already a popular spot. People were sitting on the logs and the grass, standing with their coffees outside Jet Fuel and sitting on a small patio eating some of Salt & Tobacco’s pizza. The overall reaction among residents is very positive. Media comments are positive as well. The jury is still out about its impact on local business activity and parking.
Dog owners alert
There are complaints that some dog owners are allowing their pets to pee and poop in Parkscape. Please - don’t. Other people are sitting and eating here. Let’s be considerate.
Gifts for Green Thumbs Growing Kids
GTGK and its student gardeners are back again at their three school gardens at Winchester, Rose Avenue and Sprucecourt and in the rooftop garden at The Daniels Spectrum. Summer programs are underway. Two generous donors have set aside $7,000 to match your gifts - making a grand total of $14,000. The deadline is July 31. Check it out and make your gift at the GTGK website.
Port Lands bridge
The final bridge has arrived in the Port Lands from Nova Scotia. This one will twin another one across the Keating Channel. It’s the last piece needed to connect the new Villiers Island to mainland Toronto. Waterfront Toronto posted a video showing its arrival on its barge in Toronto.
ActiveTO
Bayview Avenue south of the Rosedale Valley Road to Lawren Harris Square in Corktown and River Street between Bayview and Spruce will be closed from Saturday at 7 am to Sunday at 7 pm. If you’re planning a bike ride or a stroll along these streets, check the City’s website for the latest updates.
Fresh food in St James Town
Market Greens is open in St James Town every Wednesday, 1 to 4:30 pm. Fresh fruit and veggies. Sherbourne Health is a partner. The Corner, 200 Wellesley.
Farmers’ Markets
The rain didn’t inspire anyone at Tuesday’s Cabbagetown Farmers’ Market (Riverdale Park, Sumach and Winchester) but it cleared up in time for the main event. (Photo: Indy at Kooner Market).
The Underpass Park Farmer’s Market (29 Lower River Street) in Corktown is open now, every Thursday from 4 to 7:30 pm. Over 30 vendors are listed.
Lookin’ good - Tristan and Kristyn
Cilla sent along a picture of her grandson Tristan enjoying Parkscape where he met Kristyn. Both of them approve of the new summer park. (Photo: Cilla Kent)
COMING EVENTS
Giant farmers’ market
More than 60 vendors from five east end farmers’ markets are gathering on Saturday July 9 from 5 to 10 pm in Greenwood Park. Cabbagetown, Withrow Park, Deeply Rooted, Leslieville and Underpass Park Farmers’ Markets will all be there. Organizers are promising, "Delicious food and drinks. Innovative growers, crafters and artists, kids programs, face painting and live performances.”
Lavassa IncluCity Festival
Happening now until July 16 in The Distillery. Thirty films from over twenty countries, special guests, 6ix Art Outdoors and more. Food and beverage sampling included in ticket prices. For the list of films, details and tickets, click here.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
PAW
The Passionate Animal Walkers are open for business. Flyers are appearing in mailboxes around the neighbourhood. They’re insured and bonded and they offer “the best prices in Toronto.” Call Meaghan at (647) 628-0373 and check out her website. (Photo: Meaghan with Ticket and Doug. Thanks to Lawrence Bernstein)
Two opportunities at the Cabbagetown BIA
The BIA is looking for volunteers to join its Board of Directors. People who own commercial property or a business in the BIA’s district are eligible to join. For more info, email Virginia Evoy at the BIA office (237 Carlton). The BIA is also hiring a street cleaner. This person will work 3 to 4 hour shifts, 2 or 3 times weekly. The BIA asks that you be punctual, helpful, reliable and hard working. Email a resume to the BIA with the header, “street cleaning”.
KIDS NEWS
Mud-days at Allan Gardens
Save Monday mornings for your kids - July 11, 18 and 25 at 10 to 11:30 am. Allan Gardens invites your family to drop-in (no advance notice needed) and stay as long as you wish. Great for children 2 to 7, siblings welcome, accompanied by a care giver. Your kids can nibble on plants, look at bugs, plant some seeds, make nature crafts and go on scavenger hunts. It all happens in the Edible Garden at Allan Gardens (Carlton and Jarvis).
Winchester movie
The movie being filmed on Winchester just east of Parliament is a new edition of Jubilee, a popular show from Sinking Ship Entertainment. It's intended for kids and loved by adults.
IN OUR STORES
Samples at The Great Mallard
Christina Stamatopoulos and Jonathan Reynolds own Pontypool Pantry (as well as The Great Mallard). They produce jams and sauces using fruit from local farmers. Drop by The Great Mallard (503 Parliament) on Sunday from 1 to 4:30 pm for a sampling. They’ll have raspberry, strawberry, blueberry and cinnamon jams along with smoked apple and homestyle marinara bbq sauces. It’s all happening outside of The Great Mallard.
Menagerie’s doggie rest stop
Menagerie Pet Shop (Parliament) is setting up a pop-up doggie rest stop where you and your pal can relax and take in the sights and smells! Saturday, July 9, 10 am to 2 pm. Cabbagetown Stage (west side of Parkscape south of Aberdeen)
Blueberries are back
Mark has a supply of fresh wild Ontario blueberries waiting for you at St Jamestown Steak & Chops (514 Parliament)
IN THE MEDIA
Parkscape on the CBC
CBC News ran a story about Parkscape on Parliament Street. It’s a good summary of the project and its impact. Similar stories and reposts of this item have appeared on social media.
THEATRE & DANCE NEWS
Kamloopa
On stage now to July 24. Kamloopa is a winner of the Governor General’s Award for Drama. An irreverent comedy about the ultimate journey to self-discovery. 50 Tank House Lane. For more info and tickets, click here.
ENTERTAINMENT
Curtains Up - outdoor movies
Singin’ in the Rain and short film Esmerelda’s Castle. At sundown, Thursday July 7. At sundown, Thursday July 14, Best in Show and short film The Afterlifetime of Colm Feore & Nightlife. Free. Corktown Common, 155 Bayview.
Under the Stars - outdoor movies
Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. At sundown, Wednesday July 13. The Big Park (620 Dundas E at Sackville). Free.
Taste of Regent Park
Taste returns in advance of each Wednesday’s movie night. Big Park (620 Dundas E, at Sackville).
Music at Parkscape
Starting on July 10, bands will liven up your visit to Parliament Street and to Parkscape every Wednesday and Sunday afternoons. Cabbagetown Stage (west side of Parkscape south of Aberdeen). On Sunday July 10, it’s Tim Collins. On Wednesday July 13, the Toronto All-Star Big Band is onstage. On Sunday July 17, Yosel & the Yingles. Check the website for times and details.
Buskers in the Distillery
Every Saturday and Sunday until August 28. Noon to 4 pm. A new performer appears very day.
Headscratchers’ Trivia
Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton) is hosting its popular Headscratchers Trivia every Monday and Tuesday night from 7 pm. Reservations are recommended. Board games are available daily. (647) 344-7676. Free.
Karaoke at Alice’s Place
Friday night karaoke happens at 9 pm every week at Alice’s Place (554 Parliament). Thousands of songs.
Live music and DJs
The Dominion (500 Queen E) brings you live music and DJs every Saturday night from 7 to 11 pm through the summer.
RESTAURANT NEWS
Oysters at Pastor Taco
Saturday July 9 from 1 to 8 pm. Oysters on the patio - $3 each in batches of six or a dozen. Wine by the glass or bottle, craft beer and wine sampling.
Haldi
Repairs and renovations are finished and Haldi (568 Parliament) is open again. For the summer, Haldi is closed on Sunday and Monday and open from Tuesday to Saturday, 12:30 to 9:30 pm.
Cyril’s soup
No word yet about his post-vacation plans - perhaps he’s stuck at Pearson airport trying to find his baggage.
