September 29

CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD 

REVIEW

CABBAGETOWN ARTISTS

Michael Cavanaugh is having a show at the Worth Gallery (830 Dundas W) from October 13 to 22.  The opening is at 7 pm on Thursday October 13. Save the date - it’s a great opportunity to see his powerful paintings on display.   And you can see more of his work at our Cabbagetown Artists site - click here.  

LOCAL NEWS

Theatre gifts

The Slaight Family Foundation has just made remarkable donations to 22 theatre companies - 21 across Ontario plus the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity.  Among the recipients are three local companies - Soulpepper (50 Tank House Lane, Distillery) $1.5 million, Canadian Stage (26 Berkeley) $750,000 and Native Earth (585 Dundas E) $250,000.  These gifts will help the theatres recover from the pandemic shutdowns. They’ll be used over the next two years to generate bigger performances and to attract larger audiences.  (Photo:  Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity)

Toronto elections

Voter Information Cards are being distributed now.  They offer all kinds of info - where to vote, advance poll dates, times.  If you haven’t received one, check to see whether you’re on the official voters’ list - click here.  It’s easy.  If you’re missing from the list, call 311 (before October 14) or fix the problem when you go to vote.  

Voting schedules

Toronto’s election day is Monday, October 24 from 10 am to 8 pm.  The advance polls happen from Friday October 7 to Friday October 14, 10 am to 7 pm.  Go to the City’s election site to find out where you vote.

Daniels on Parliament

Work on the Daniels’ building at the southeast corner of Parliament and Gerrard has started. It will feature 628 suites in two towers, 25 and 10 storeys on a shared platform along with ground level retail.  Affordable housing is a key part of the proposal.  Daniels’ Partnership for Affordable Home Ownership offers current Regent Park residents a second mortgage as down payment assistance. In addition, two units will be set aside for Habitat for Humanity families.  Artscape Atelier will create streetscape artworks for the corner.  (Image: Daniels Corporation)

Blair’s Run Update

By Thursday morning, the Run had collected $40,505.  A remarkable success.  Congrats to everyone who organized and contributed to this year’s event.  Michelle Keightley (right) with Brenda Brown McNee - Michelle is the 1st prize individual fundraiser, collecting almost $2,000.  Wellesley won the overall team fundraising trophy - more than $7,600 collected.

Necropolis walking tour

Virginia van Vliet guided a group of twenty through the Necropolis on Saturday September 24.  Brenda McNee reports that an extra $480 went to the Blair’s Run campaign, thanks to the tour.

Congrats Sydney

Canada’s Women’s 8 rowing team had a successful appearance at the World Championships in Racice, Czech Republic. They earned a bronze in the final race.  Romania won the gold and the Netherlands got silver.  Sydney Payne has returned to the team after helping to win Olympic gold last year - she’s in the 8 seat, facing the coxen.  

Marilyn’s nail clinic

Marilyn regular monthly nail clinic for your pets happens on Saturday September 3 at Pet Valu (240 Carlton).  9 am to 4 pm.  She often has a full schedule for the day so she asks you to make an appointment.  Call her at (416) 920-6814 for a reservation. $12, cash please.

Our two Farmers’ Markets

Only four more market days at the Cabbagetown Market and three more at Corktown’s Underpass Market. The Cabbagetown Farmers’ Market In Riverdale Park West (Sumach at Winchester) is open every Tuesday from 3 to 7:30 pm.

Underpass Park Farmers’ Market (29 Lower River Street) in Corktown is open on Thursdays from 4 to 7:30 pm.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Fall bonus at The Sumach

Enjoy a move-in bonus up to $3,000 at The Sumach (148 Sumach).  Secure your apartment by October 15 for a move-in date by December 1.  Call (416) 644-8912 to learn more. 

Apartment needed

Local resident of Cabbagetown is looking for a one bedroom apartment in the neighbourhood, preferably for $1,500/month.  She cleans houses and has successfully found many jobs locally.  She would like to move in January 1, 2023. Email her if you have a vacancy.

KIDS EVENTS

Tree tour in Allan Gardens

Bad weather forced the cancellation of Diane Teal’s tree tour in Allan Gardens last Sunday.  Her Tree Detective Family Walk is rescheduled for Sunday October 16 at 1 pm. This week, VJ Adhikari is guiding the tree tour and he’s offering it in Hindi.  Meet at 1 pm in front of the Palm House, Allan Gardens (Jarvis and Carlton)

Urban Roots Youth

A program for kids 14 to 18 from Green Thumbs Growing Kids.  Learn about urban agriculture and growing your own food.  Topics include native plants, tree planting, climate change and food justice.  Learn to cook new recipes, contribute to the environment and experience outdoor gardening. Volunteer hours are available.  Wednesdays from 4 to 5:30 pm to November 23.  Send an email to register. 

IN THE MEDIA

Slaight Family Foundation initiatives

The Foundation has just announced that it’s donating grants ranging from $125,000 to $1.5 million to 21 Ontario theatre companies and to the Banff Centre.  Soulpepper, Canadian Stage and Native Earth are among the recipients.  J Kelly Nestruck at the Globe & Mail has written about the grants and their impact.

Cabbagetown Boxing Club

The Boxing Club (3 Lancaster) has reopened along with the rest of the Cabbagetown Youth Centre.  Joe Warmington has written about the Club’s history and its boxers in his Toronto Sun column. Watch Johnny Kalbhenn, Peter Wylie and Greg Gary talk about the Club’s future (Video by Joe Warmington, Toronto Sun).

Parliament Street real estate

blogTO reports that six Cabbagetown buildings are for sale at $16.5 million. They’re on the west side of Parliament south of Aberdeen.  They’re home to Meridian Credit Union, Parliament Street Fitness, Phosome and Souvlaki Express with renovated and attractive apartments upstairs.  Thanks to Victoria Hadden for the tip about this story.  Check out the story and the details here. (Photo:  blogTO)

COMING EVENTS

Allan Gardens plant sale

The Friends of Allan Gardens are holding their annual plant sale on Saturday, October 1 from 10 am to 1 pm.  Meet in the Edible Garden on the west side of the park.  You’ll find tropical plants, herbs and veggies, succulents, free seeds and vintage posters.  Bring your own bags to take your goodies home.  Masks are optional. Payments accepted in cash, debit and credit cards.  

Distillery’s anniversary party

The Distillery is 190 years old and it’s celebrating with a collection of vintage photos that show events and people from its history. Walking tours are available - either through Go Tours Canada ($12.50) or as self-guided tours. More info is available online.

IN OUR STORES

Seasonal sale at Kendall & Co

Kendall and Co are having another great sale to clear space for new inventory.  Save up to 50% on furniture, antiques, art, rugs and vinyl mats.  Pillows are also on sale - buy one and get a second one free.  Some exceptions apply.  Other special deals are available only in-store.  Shop Tuesday to Saturday, 11 am to 6 pm.  Click here to shop online.

Thanksgiving dinner

St James Town Steak & Chops (516 Parliament) is taking orders now for your Thanksgiving turkey.  Birds are available from 10 to 20 pounds.  If you’re looking for an alternative, try a ham, a rack of pork or an Ontario lamb leg, boneless or bone-in. Pickups during the week before Thanksgiving, October 10.

THEATRE NEWS - OCTOBER

Public Enemy

Extended run due to popular demand - to October 8 in the Berkeley Street Theatre (26 Berkeley). Canadian Stage presents Olivier Choiniere’s play about a family dinner with a surreal twist.  

Night/Shift

Citadel + Compagnie (304 Parliament) presents nine unique dance experiences.  Thursday Shift on September 29, Friday Shift on September 30 and Saturday Shift on October 1 - three performances each night at 10 pm. Read about each performance online.

Female of the Species

On stage now to October 8 at Alumnae Theatre (70 Berkeley).  The play frequently says the unsayable through its spiralling comedy.  Details and tickets available online.

Bad Parent

On stage to October 9 at Soulpepper (50 Tank House Lane). Ins Choi, creator of Kim’s Convenience, shows how Charles and Norah figure out who they are in relation to each other, their son, and the audience. A humorous and honest story about the rocky rite of passage into parenthood. For online info and tickets, click here.

The Ex-Boyfriend Yard Sale

October 13 to November 6 at Soulpepper (50 Tank House Lane).  Haley McGee realizes that the only way she can pay her VISA bill is by selling gifts from her ex-boyfriends.   For online info and tickets, click here. 

ENTERTAINMENT

Brite Night at The Aviary

The Aviary (484 Front E) wants to thank everyone for your support over the past two years.  So they’re having a  Brite Night - enjoy a free pint of beer.  Buy a Megamug and refill it free all night long.  Fill your mugs directly from the Brite Tank and then dance and laugh all night long.  Saturday October 1.  

Tuesday Tunes

Free concerts in the CSI Community Living Room in the Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E). The first concert takes place on Tuesday October 4 from 6 to 9 pm with Thispatcher (Michael Palumbo).  Future concerts on the first Tuesday of each month.  

 

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

A new cornetto at Terroni

Terroni’s (22 Sackville) new cornetto will make you swoon.  It’s made with fresh pastry cream and mixed berries,

Oktoberfest at Mill Street

Oktoberfest runs to October 23 and Mill Street (21 Tank House Lane, Distillery) has an exclusive menu and beer list to celebrate.  

Congrats to The Golden Pigeon

blogTO has done a terrific write-up about our newest pub.  The Golden Pigeon (424 Parliament).   

Cyril’s soup

This week’s soup is a velvety pear, butternut squash and ginger blend with a few onions and some rosemary.  His juice is pear and ginger.  The soup is $3/cup for 3 to 9 cups and $2.50/cup for 10 or more.  His juice is $9 for 2 cups.  Email him with your order.

September 22

 CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD 

REVIEW

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: Eric Morse, Carlton and Berkeley) 

LOCAL NEWS

Construction on Parliament Street

The City of Toronto is replacing old water mains along Parliament from Carlton north to Bloor.  Lead pipes are being replaced with cleaner ones.  The project is scheduled to continue until June 2023.

Blair’s Run Update

By Thursday morning, the Run had collected $39,334.  There’ll be more - last minute donations are still coming in.  The top four teams are Wellesley Street ($7,600), Carlton ($4,700), CYC Exercisers ($3,700) and the Alley Cats ($3,600).  A rainy day celebration took place in Sprucecourt School yard on Sunday afternoon.  These donations support the Cabbagetown Youth Centre and Toronto Kiwanis Boys & Girls Club. (Photo:  Aiya McNee, Sue Freeborn and Sue Spierling) 

Welcome Avery Sandy

Avery has joined Green Thumbs Growing Kids as the Indigenous Program leader.  She’s got a background in youth programming, community development and community engagement.  She’s from Christian Island and she’s an Ojibwe from Anishinabek nation.  Her traditional spirit name is Little Northern Star Woman.  Best wishes, Avery, in your work at GTGK.

Our two Farmers’ Markets

The Cabbagetown Market is looking for volunteers to help with set-ups from 1:30 to 3 pm on Tuesdays.  Email Ellie to volunteer. The Cabbagetown Farmers’ Market In Riverdale Park West (Sumach at Winchester) is open every Tuesday from 3 to 7:30 pm.

Underpass Park Farmers’ Market (29 Lower River Street) in Corktown is open on Thursdays from 4 to 7:30 pm.

Candidates’ election meeting

The Corktown Residents & Business Association is hosting an All-Candidates meeting - Tuesday September 27, 6:30 pm, Cooper Koo Family YMCA (431 Cherry St).  Meet the candidates for City Council in our Ward 13.  Seating is limited to 60 people - please register here in advance.  If you have a question for the candidates, email it in advance.

Hidden murals

We have two striking murals by Jasnine Designs on the side walls at 464 Parliament. There’s a Toronto Star story about them - see below in the Media comments.

More Cabbagetown wildlife

Thanks, Rick, for this photo of a hawk sitting on a Spruce Street fence.  (Photo: Rick Walker)

Seen on Parliament Street

So, what do these guys do for a living? Click on the photo to enlarge it.  

Cabbagetown Regent Park Museum Historical Tidbit

By Sally Gibson. Eaton’s store was draped in black, both inside and out. Churches across the city rang bells and held memorial services. Flags flew at half-mast. Cannon salutes, perhaps including the cannons at Riverdale Park, burst the air. The great Berthon oil painting of Queen Victoria in City Council was swathed in black. A ceremony at the Lt. Governor’s residence to celebrate officers from the South Africa War was postponed. And condolences flooded into the “Queen City” from around the world. Even French Quebecois joined in the general grieving although overseas Irish did not. “Gloom,” the January 22, 1901 Toronto Star reported, “had settled upon the land.” After 63 years on the throne, Queen Victoria was the longest serving monarch and the only monarch known by most Torontonians who were very British - 91.7% British. “No one under thirty years of age,” historian Jesse Edgar Middleton explained in 1923, “can understand the effect of Queen Victoria’s death on the mental processes of the leaders in civic life and of the public in general.” In Cabbagetown, Parliament Street stores were probably draped in black and displayed lithographs of Queen Victoria in their windows and residents likely attended memorial services in local churches. (Image: Queen Victoria, Toronto Globe, January 22, 1901, page 1)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Apartment needed

Local resident of Cabbagetown is looking for a one bedroom apartment in the neighbourhood, preferably for $1,500/month.  I clean houses and have successfully found many jobs locally.  I would like to move in January 1, 2023. If there is any possibility please email me.

KIDS' EVENTS

Children’s Book Bank

Meet world-renown artist Barroux at the Children’s Book Bank (Daniels Spectrum, 585 Dundas E, Suite 260).  There’ll be a story time and drawings.  Saturday September 24, 2 pm. 

Tree tour in Allan Gardens

Diane Teal is a nature and garden educator. She’s guiding the tree tour on Sunday September 25 at 1 pm.  This week, it’s a Tree Detective Family Walk.  Kids are welcome - they’ll learn about the trees in the park and how to identify them.  Rain or shine, no reservations required.  More tours will happen through October. Meet at the Children’s Playground on the west side of the park.  (Jarvis and Carlton)

Urban Roots Youth

A program for kids 14 to 18 from Green Thumbs Growing Kids.  Learn about urban agriculture and growing your own food.  Topics include native plants, tree planting, climate change and food justice.  Learn to cook new recipes, contribute to the environment and experience outdoor gardening. Volunteer hours are available.  Wednesdays from 4 to 5:30 pm, September 21 to November 23.  Send an email to register. 

IN THE MEDIA

Another bridge in the Port Lands

A new pedestrian bridge is now in place over the future Don River.  It’s part of the eventual River Valley Park in the Port Lands.  blogTO has done a story about the bridge and about the massive effort to redirect the Don River.  (Photo:  Waterfront Toronto)

Conversation with Alanna Cavanaugh

Customers at the House on Parliament (454 Parliament) will remember Alanna Cavanaugh’s illustrations in the HoP’s windows during the Covid lockdowns.  She talked to Diane Peters for this article in the Toronto Star.  (Photo:  Andrew Francis Wallace, Toronto Star)

Ten murals, ten artists, ten stories

Joshua Chong has written about the tenth anniversary of StreetArt and the murals that it has sponsored across Canada.  Included is the mural, We Rise Above, at 464 Parliament by Jasnine Designs.  (Photo:  Paige Taylor White, Toronto Star)

Waterfront development

Marcus Gee has written a story in the Globe & Mail about urban renewal along the waterfront in Calgary, Winnipeg, Vancouver, Montreal and Toronto.  Toronto gets a big portion of the story with details about Waterfront Toronto and the Port Lands.  (Photo:  Fred Lum, Globe & Mail)

COMING EVENTS

Tour the Necropolis

Virginia van Vliet is again guiding a tour of the Necropolis.  Saturday September 24 at 10:30 am.  Meet at the gates of the cemetery (200 Winchester).  It’s a “pay what you can” event - donations go to the Blair’s Run fundraising campaign. Please email Brenda McNee to register.

Distillery’s anniversary party

The Distillery is 190 years old and it’s having a party on Thursday September 29 from 6 to 10 pm.  Outdoors on Trinity Street. Enjoy a complimentary cocktail, live music and a DJ, canopes and a birthday cake, fireworks and an experience in the Whiskey lounge.  More info and tickets online.  $55. 

Distillery’s Local Market

Sundays from 11 am to 5 pm to October 9. Fresh local produce and flowers.  Gristmill Lane, Distillery.

Repair & Run

Bike repairs, Sundays to October 2 from 9 am to 2 pm.  Case Goods Lane, Distillery

IN OUR STORES

Kate Laidlaw at The Great Mallard

Kate has been with The Great Mallard (503 Parliament) since it opened its doors.  She’s a Cabbagetown jewellery designer and bead-smith with a deep knowledge of the healing benefits of stones and crystals.  Her necklaces, bracelets and earrings reflect the beauty of nature, the power of healing and our ancestral origins as well as simple and graceful elegance. She has a Facebook page.

Order your turkey

St James Town Steak & Chops (516 Parliament) is taking orders now for your Thanksgiving turkey.  Birds are available from 10 to 20 pounds.  Pickups during the week before Thanksgiving, October 10.

THEATRE & DANCE - NEW LISTINGS

Night/Shift

Citadel + Compagnie (304 Parliament) presents nine unique dance experiences.  Thursday Shift on September 29, Friday Shift on September 30 and Saturday Shift on October 1 - three performances each night at 10 pm. Read about each performance online. 

Female of the Species

September 23 to October 8 at Alumnae Theatre (70 Berkeley).  The play frequently says the unsayable through its spiralling comedy.  Details and tickets available online.     

The Ex-Boyfriend Yard Sale

On stage October 13 to November 6 at Soulpepper (50 Tank House Lane).  Haley McGee realizes that the only way she can pay her VISA bill is by selling gifts from her ex-boyfriends.   For online info and tickets, click here.

ENTERTAINMENT

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

Bingo for Caroline

Erin at Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton) has gone political!  She's holding a fundraiser for her good friend, Caroline Murphy, a candidate in the civic election for city councillor.   Lots of people know Caroline and are willing to help her - so here's the chance.  $10 entrance fee, $5 for two squares, $10 for six squares.  Three rounds.  Plenty of prizes.  Thursday September 29, 7 pm.  

Cyril’s soup

He’s making comfort food this week - sweet potato and peanut.  It has sweet potatoes, chickpeas, carrots, onions, celery, garlic, tomatoes, bell peppers, peanut butter and garam masala.This week’s juice is beet, apple and ginger.  The soup is $3/cup for 3 to 9 cups and $2.50/cup for 10 or more.  His juice is $9 for 2 cups.  Email him with your order.