October 27

 CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD 

REVIEW




Save the date

TWO DAY POP-UP ART SHOW

Six talented Cabbagetown artists will show their works in this special show on Saturday November 26, 4 to 10 pm and Sunday November 27, noon to 4 pm.  At Cranberries (601 Parliament).  See their artwork online here.


HALLOWE’EN


Hallowe’en cocktail night

Fusilli (531 Queen E) is hosting a Hallowe’en party night.  Enjoy a Witches Brew, the Devil’s Margarita and a Grave Digger along with homemade hors d’oeuvres.  Saturday October 29, 7 pm. Call (416) 214-6148 to reserve.  $45.


Mystic Michael at the HoP

Mystic Michael is back and he’s reading Tarot cards again.  Join him at the House on Parliament (454 Parliament) from 7 pm on Saturday October 28.


Murder & Mayhem

Toronto Cemetery Tours presents a stolen identity, an unsolved murder and Toronto’s last public hanging on this two-hour tour through the Necropolis.  Meet at the cemetery gate (Winchester east of Sumach). Three tours - October 29, 2 pm, October 30 at 11 am and at 2 pm. Free.   


Pumpkin carve-a-thon

Friends of Allan Gardens are sponsoring a family pumpkin carving event.  Sunday October 30, 10:30 am to 12:30 pm, Children’s Conservatory (NW corner of the park).  Pumpkins and carving tools are supplied - parental supervision is required.  A $5 donation is suggested. Wear your costumes.  Bring a bag to take your pumpkin home.  


Pumpkin Walk in Riverdale Park

Save your pumpkin after Hallowe’en.  Join the Walk.  Bring your beauty to the park on Tuesday November 1 from 5 to 9 pm.  Make a donation to a local food bank as well - non-perishable items needed. Sponsored by the Cabbagetown Residents Association. 


Skeletons, monsters and cupcakes

Order them from Staij & Co.  Click here to see their website.


OUR FEATURED ARTIST


Ruth Wagner

“As a signature member of the Pastel Artists of Canada, I’ve been accepted into four Canada-wide juried shows since 2017.  I’m passionate about the medium of soft pastels for their immediacy and rich pigmentation. Much of my work falls within the themes of ‘floral' and ‘trees’. I also work in pure abstraction often inspired by images which show the wear and tear of time and the elements or by hidden compositions.” Ruth has a Facebook page.  


August Bounty - 10.5” x 14” 


LOCAL NEWS


Election results voided

In the races for both the French public school board and the French Catholic school board, the elections were voided before election day.  Competing candidates were disqualified before election day, leaving only one person contesting each race.  Provincial law requires that an election must be stopped if some candidates are disqualified, leaving only an acclamation.  By-elections will be scheduled in the near future.


Toronto elections

Congrats to Chris Moise for his City Council victory in Toronto Centre.  Unofficially, the City Clerk reports that he gathered up 10,457 votes or 48% of those cast.  In an email to his supporters, he promises,”to build better transit, strengthen our neighbourhoods, invest in vital programs and services, and deliver the improvements we need to make our community more safe, livable, affordable, and commutable.”  Deborah Williams is our new public school trustee - she got 18,608 votes, 56% of the total. Kevin Morrison won the job at the Catholic school board with 1,832 votes, 27% of the total cast. 


Gerrard Street reconstruction

Gerrard Street is scheduled for reconstruction between Sherbourne and Parliament in 2023.  The image shows the final design looking east from Sherbourne.  The original plan has been changed in response to discussions with residents and local businesses on Gerrard.  Highlights include a delivery area and eight parking spaces to be built in front of the stores along the south side of the street, east of Ontario to Berkeley.  Future water main construction will also be coordinated with the street construction.  The two-way cycle lane will be maintained. 


Where’s the handcuffs …

Doug is restrained by Constables Kumar Shanmuganathan (left) and Matt Miller from 51 Division.  They’re members of the permanent community patrols in Cabbagetown-St James Town.  Cabbagetown South, Regent Park and Corktown are also covered by community units. These constables will concentrate on their neighbourhoods and develop personal ties between themselves and local residents. 


Parliament Street construction

Regina at Labour of Love (223 Carlton) has started a reasonable but passionate petition asking for our help dealing with the construction burden along Carlton and Parliament.  She’s got over 1,100 signatures and is aiming for 1,500.  Read the petition here and add your voice to her effort.


The flu vaccine

You can get your flu shot at Rexall (201 Winchester at Parliament and 345 Bloor E) and Shoppers Drug Mart (467 Parliament, 200 Front, 351 Queen E, 593 Dundas E and 565 Sherbourne).  Check with your store for available doses and your eligibility.  The pharmacies offer convenient service and flexible times.  


Our two Farmers’ Markets

Both Markets are finished for the year.  In Cabbagetown, it was a good season with sixteen weekly vendors plus several more who rotated through periodically.  The Market supported several community projects with food drives - the Mothers of Peace Regent Park, the Fridge and Green Thumbs Growing Kids.   The Fat Quarter Band played every week through the summer. In Corktown, the Market finished the year by selling pumpkins as a fundraiser for Feed It Forward.   Congrats and thanks to those who worked very hard to make this summer a success.


ANNOUNCEMENTS


New Circle clothing drive

The cold weather is coming and Linda Sims is once again on the hunt for used winter clothing. She does it for New Circles, a non-profit that helps clothe immigrants, refugees and Torontonians in need. Send along any winter clothing available - coats, hats, scarves, boots, sweaters and more.  She’ll also take other winter clothing such as pants, suits, shirts and shoes. Women’s, men’s and children’s items are all in demand. Linda is happy to pick up your donations for New Circles - email her to arrange a pickup. Thanks for your generosity! 


IN THE MEDIA


Swedish Christmas at the Daniels Spectrum

blogTO has written about the return of the Swedish Christmas Fair to Toronto. It’s a jam-packed program over two days. 11 am to 5 pm on Saturday November 19 and 11 am to 4 pm on Sunday November 20. Daniels Spectrum (565 Dundas E).

COMING EVENTS


October FunFest

There’ll be fun for the whole family - music, candies, story telling, a photo booth and a pumpkin give-away.  The Children’s Book Bank will be giving away books.  Apple crisp will be baked in the oven.  At the Bake Oven in the Big Park (600 Dundas E).  Saturday October 29, 1 to 4 pm. 


Overlooked & Underemployed

The third in The Arrival series with Michael Enright, hosted by the Enoch Turner Schoolhouse.  It continues the theme dealing with the difficulties faced by immigrants in Canada.  Tuesday November 1, 7 pm.  The event is available either in-person at the Schoolhouse (106 Trinity) or online.  To register for either event, click on the links.  


THEATRE NEWS - OCTOBER & NOVEMBER


Human Measure

October 27 to 29.  Against a backdrop of US-based anti-trans legislation, Cassils draws inspiration from personal safety movements. Intersectional representations press back against narratives surrounding trans bodies and athleticism. A Platform Series Dance Performance.  Canadian Stage (26 Berkeley).  Tickets and more info online here.


The Ex-Boyfriend Yard Sale

On stage 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 she received from her ex-boyfriends.   For online info and tickets, click here.


FireWorks Festival at Alumnae Theatre

Three new plays will launch during the Festival. Boom Baby by Natalie Meisner (November 9 to 13), Thistlepatch by Catherine Frid (November 16 to 20)  and History of Visual Sources by Laura Mullin (November 23 to 27).  For more info, click here. 70 Berkeley. 


ENTERTAINMENT


Tuesday Tunes

The monthly musical event returns on Tuesday November 1 from 6 to 9 pm.  Free.  The Daniels Spectrum (565 Dundas E).


Canadian Country Music Legends

Duncan Fremlin and his pals Douglas John Cameron, Billy MacInnis and Tim Hadley are taking their music on tour. Their first event happens on November 4 at the Redwood Theatre in Toronto (1300 Gerrard E), followed by performances on November 5 at the Stockey Centre in Parry Sound and November 6 in the Gibson Centre in Alliston. Brian and Susie Good and Marie Bottrell will join Duncan in Toronto. For Toronto tickets, click here.

 

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.


Music and stand-up comedy

The Dominion (500 Queen E) presents live music every Saturday from 7 pm and on Sundays, dinner at 6 pm and stand-up comedy from 7 to 8:30 pm.  Every time the Raptors play, one lucky customer’s bill will be burned at the table.  


RESTAURANT NEWS


Draw for Raptors tickets

The Aviary (484 Front E) will draw two Raptors tickets on Monday October 31.  You’ll get a free chance in the draw with every pint of Longslice that you order from 4 to 7pm.  It’s the Raptors vs the Hawks at 7:30 pm.


Christmas is coming

Yes it is - believe it or not.  F’Amelia (12 Amelia) suggests that you book your Christmas party now.  Avoid a last-minute disappointment and get everything ready in advance.  Call (416) 323-0666 or send an email. 


Cyril’s soup

This week, Cyril’s making  an exotic comfort food -  curried lentils & carrot soup with tomatoes and wilted spinach.    His juice is grape, apple, pomegranate and lemon.  Soup - $3/cup for 2 to 9 cups, $2.50 for ten or more cups.  Juice is $9 for two cups.  Email your order to him.


October 20

 CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD 

REVIEW




Save the date...


TWO DAY POP-UP ART SHOW

Six talented Cabbagetown artists will show their works in this special show on Saturday November 26, 4 to 10 pm and Sunday November 27, noon to 4 pm.  Mark your calendars - don’t miss it. At Cranberries (601 Parliament). Michael Cavanaugh, Irene Peplinski DeClute, Jack Grunsky, Victoria Hadden, Eric Morse and Martha Preston.  You can see samples from these talented artists on their website.  (Photo:  Eric, Victoria, Irene, Martha and Ruth from Cranberries.  Missing in the photo:  Michael and Jack). 

OUR FEATURED ARTIST


Ruth Wagner

“As a signature member of the Pastel Artists of Canada, I’ve been accepted into four Canada-wide juried shows since 2017.  I’m passionate about the medium of soft pastels for their immediacy and rich pigmentation. Much of my work falls within the themes of ‘floral' and ‘trees’. I also work in pure abstraction often inspired by images which show the wear and tear of time and the elements or by hidden compositions.” Ruth has a Facebook page.  

Anthurium Meets Calla -  9 x 16"


HALLOWE’EN


Skeletons, monsters and cupcakes

Order them from Staij & Co.  Click here to see their website.

The Boo Barn is back

October 22 and 23, 9:30 am to 3:30 pm.  Riverdale Farm (Winchester east of Sumach). Pumpkin carving, face painting, crafts and the spooky Boo Barn.  Donations for the food bank in lieu of admission fees for the event.  Pumpkin carving is free and a $5 donation fo the Farm is welcome.   

Hallowe’en cocktail night

Fusilli (531 Queen E) is hosting a Hallowe’en party night.  Enjoy a Witches Brew, the Devil’s Margarita and a Grave Digger along with homemade hors d’oeuvres.  Saturday October 29, 7 pm. Call (416) 214-6148 to reserve.  $45.

Murder & Mayhem

Toronto Cemetery Tours presents a stolen identity, an unsolved murder and Toronto’s last public hanging on this two-hour tour through the Necropolis. Meet at the cemetery gate (Winchester east of Sumach). Three tours - October 29, 2 pm, October 30 at 11 am and at 2 pm. Free.


Pumpkin Walk in Riverdale Park

Save your pumpkin after Hallowe’en.  Join the Walk.  Bring your beauty to the park on November 1 from 5 to 9 pm.  Sponsored by the Cabbagetown Residents Association. 

LOCAL NEWS


Candidates’ updates

We have three local Council candidates and four more running for mayor who have risen above the crowd in this campaign.  All of them have attracted attention.  To find out more about them before next Monday’s election, click on the links attached to their names.  For mayor - Chloe Brown, Sarah Climenhaga, Gil Penalosa and John Tory.  For Councillor - Chris Moise, Caroline Murphy and Nicki Ward.  

Last week’s events


Michael Cavanaugh’s show

Michael’s paintings were on display at The Worth Gallery (830 Dundas W)  throughout the week.  He’s posted several videos on his Facebook page to talk about his work and the process he uses to paint each one.  

His daughters, Esme (left) and Simone were there and they obviously didn’t believe their father’s grumpy look.

Free trees from Metrolinx

Metrolinx gave away trees and shrubs in Riverdale Park last weekend as part of its expansion program in the Don Valley. They’ll replace the ones being removed to make way for the future Ontario Line and for Metrolinx railway electrification plans.  Michael was obviously pleased with his prizes and he knows exactly where he’ll plant them.

Ron Hume’s book launch

Ron’s new book, How I Lost $25,000,000, was officially launched on Tuesday night at Cranberries. His pals all gathered to wish him well. He read a brief anecdote about his first great publishing success - Morty Shulman’s memoirs. Duncan Fremlin interviewed Ron about Morty - click here to watch their conversation on YouTube. (Photo: Rob Coates, Ron Hume, Max Beck and Duncan Fremlin).

Parliament Street construction

The big dig on Parliament has created another tough disturbance for local merchants.  They’ve had an awful time over the past three years. First, it was Covid.  Then over the summer, the Parkscape project blocked the street.  Now the City of Toronto is replacing water mains and this digging could be there until Christmas.  Construction work at College and Yonge has forced the TTC to divert its streetcars away from Cabbagetown. One long-time retailer estimates that his store is losing $1,000 a day.  The Cabbagetown BIA says on its Facebook page, “Our local businesses are reporting revenue declines as high as 70%. Now more than ever is the time to shop local. It’s not a catch phrase.” John Englar from Jet Fuel was asked for his reaction - “Doug, you can’t print my comments on your blog!” (Photo:  Menagerie Pet Shop)

Our two Farmers’ Markets

The Market is almost finished for the season - only one more date, on Tuesday October 27.  Sixteen very good vendors have been the regulars plus several more rotated through periodically.  The usual great farm fresh foods, along with crafts vendors, brewers, wineries and distilleries, prepared foods and other specialties have made it worthwhile to drop by the park on Tuesdays through the summer. The Mothers of Peace Regent Park, the Fridge and Green Thumbs Growing Kids have added extra depth.   The Fat Quarter Band played every week through the summer.  The Cabbagetown Farmers’ Market In Riverdale Park West (Sumach at Winchester) is open from 3 to 7:30 pm until Tuesday October 25.

Underpass Park Farmers’ Market (29 Lower River Street) in Corktown is selling pumpkins as a fundraiser for Feed It Forward.  Open from 4 to 7:30 pm. It runs to Thursday October 20.

Cabbagetown wildlife

Duncan posted this photo of a fox in his front yard on Ontario Street.  As a couple of commentators mentioned, he eats rodents and is welcome in the neighbourhood.  (Photo Duncan Scott). 

Cabbagetown Regent Park Museum Historical Tidbit

By Sally Gibson.  Chinese residents started trickling into Toronto in 1877 when two men opened laundries on Adelaide and Yonge Streets. The Chinese community grew slowly, due to government legislation and regulation and outright prejudice. But it grew. For a short time, there were the seeds of two “Chinatowns,” one in the east at George Street and one to the west on Elizabeth Street. In 1900, the Chinese population in Toronto was still only 159. But by 1911 it had exploded to 1,036. During this expansion, the number of Chinese hand-wash laundries also grew.  By 1909, the City Directory listed about 25 Chinese hand-wash laundries in the greater Cabbagetown area. Many popped up along Parliament Street. The 1914 Assessment Roll lists James Dong at 275 Parliament, Lee Chow at 319, Chong at 324, Low Hong at 423, and Joe Chong at 431.Others opened on Ontario, Sumach, Howard, and Rose Avenue. Why were there so many Chinese laundries? The new laundrymen had not grown up in the business in China. Most were peasants and farmers. But Chinese were barred from most jobs. A niche opened up where they could underprice other, steam-powered “white” laundries and make a small profit. Often, they lived and worked in the same small area. Laundry work was gruelling. Physically exhausting. Steaming hot, sometimes reaching 100-degrees Fahrenheit. Low-paid. 12 to 18 hour days. But the “sojourner” men with families back in China tolerated the conditions to help their families. And others accepted what was available to them.  (This image:  Toronto Chinese Hand-Laundry. This extremely rare lantern slide of the interior of a Toronto Chinese hand-wash laundry was taken by Toronto Camera Club member Bert Smith, ca 1900   AO F4436-0-0-0-112)


IN THE MEDIA


Power outage 

On Monday October 17, a major power outage darkened Cabbagetown, Regent Park, St James Town and portions of Corktown, Riverdale and Riverside. Starting at 1 pm, it lasted for about an hour and affected 5000 customers. Hannah Albergo did a story for CTV News - click here to read it. (Map: Hydro One)


COMING EVENTS


Tree Walks in Allan Gardens

There’ll be two Tree Walks on Sunday, October 23 in Allan Gardens.  At 10:30 am, Carolynne Crawley founder of Msit No’kmaq, meaning “All My Relations” in Mi’kmaq and co-founder of Turtle Protectors. At 1 pm, Lam Tran, Education Coordinator at LEAF.  Meet at the east side of the Palm House (Allan Gardens, Jarvis and Carlton).  Free.

The Great Escape

Persians ran from Iran during the Revolution. Haitians sought refuge after earthquakes. The Irish ran away from the Troubles. Syrians escaped from invasion and devastation. American draft dodgers arrived on our doorstep and stayed. Afghans yearned for freedom, away from the control of the Taliban. Indians searched for a path from poverty. Ukrainians are now coming for safety from war. Hosted by Michael Enright, the Arrival Series explores the challenges of coming to a new land.  Tuesday October 24, 7 pm, Enoch Turner Schoolhouse (106 Trinity). In-person, please register here. Online, register here


THEATRE NEWS - OCTOBER


School of Toronto Dance Theatre

Applications for the 2023-2024 school year are now open.  “The School’s full-time Professional Training Program offers specialized education in current streams of contemporary dance. Our 3-year program offers an intensive curriculum with practical studio and performance experience, and creative and theoretical development, supporting individual student’s paths toward vital careers in dance.”  A step-by-step guide for applications is available online.  80 Winchester.  (Photo:  Aiden Tooth)

Human Measure

October 27 to 29.  Against a backdrop of US-based anti-trans legislation, Cassils draws inspiration from personal safety movements. Intersectional representations press back against narratives surrounding trans bodies and athleticism. A Platform Series Dance Performance.  Canadian Stage (26 Berkeley).  Tickets and more info online here.

Julie et L’Univers

October 20 to 22, performances at the Fleck Dance Theatre (235 Queens Quay West).  Citadel’s production is inspired by a painting by Jean-Paul Lemieux and set in a wintry landscape reminiscent of Lemieux’s childhood in Quebec City. The work explores the interior lives of three young women on the cusp of adulthood, alternating between the utter wonderment and discovery of youth and the uncertainty and loneliness of adolescence. More info and tickets available online

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 she received from her ex-boyfriends.   For online info and tickets, click here.


ENTERTAINMENT


Canadian Country Music Legends

Duncan Fremlin and his pals Douglas John Cameron, Billy MacInnis and Tim Hadley are taking their music on tour.  Their first event happens on November 4 at the Redwood Theatre in Toronto (1300 Gerrard E), followed by performances on November 5 at the Stockey Centre in Parry Sound and November 6 in the Gibson Centre in Alliston.  Brian and Susie Good and Marie Bottrell will join Duncan in Toronto. For Toronto tickets, click here.

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.

Stand-up comedy

The Dominion (500 Queen E) presents live music every Saturday from 7 pm and on Sundays, dinner at 6 pm and stand-up comedy from 7 to 8:30 pm.  Every time the Raptors play, one lucky customer’s bill will be burned at the table.  


RESTAURANT NEWS


El Catrin

Mexico’s Dia de Los Muertos happens at the end of October.  El Catrin (18 Tank House Lane, Distillery)  is winding up to the day with special menus each week - unique tequila, mezcal and featured dishes.  Check out this intriguing celebration online.  

Christmas is coming

Yes it is - believe it or not.  F’Amelia (12 Amelia) suggests that you book your Christmas party now.  Avoid a last-minute disappointment and get everything ready in advance.  To reserve, call (416) 323-0666 or send an email. 

Cyril’s soup

This week, Cyril’s making  broccoli and cheddar soup. It’ll be thickened with potatoes and its only dairy will be the cheese and some butter. After it’s blended, more broccoli florets will be added.   His juice is apple, carrot and lime.  Soup - $3/cup for 2 to 9 cups, $2.50 for ten or more cups.  Juice is $9 for two cups.  Email your order to him.