CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD
REVIEW
LOCAL NEWS
Tents in Allan Gardens
Councillor Chris Moise reported on March 24 that there are now 33 tents in the park housing 25 individuals. Staff from Toronto Community Housing and Shelter, Support and Housing say that people are being moved to Dan Harrison and Seaton House when space comes available. Eight people have refused housing elsewhere. Security guards are now in the park 24/7 to stop further debris from being delivered to the park and to address safety and harassment problems. Streets to Homes staff coordinate with other agencies. Mr Moise believes that the only cure in the long run is an increase in affordable housing through programs like the federal Rapid Housing Initiative.
Nominations open for the Mayor’s job
On Monday April 3, the official nomination period for the mayoral race will begin. That’s when we’ll see who’s seeking the job. Serious contenders will have until Friday May 12 to submit their paperwork. The election itself will be held on Monday June 26 and the advance polls will take place from Thursday June 8 to Tuesday June 13. Without George Smitherman in the race, Ward 13 doesn’t have a strong local personality contending.
CCDT is moving
Deborah Lundmark and Michael deConink Smith have announced that the Canadian Contemporary Dance Theatre will leave its current Parliament Street home (508 Parliament). This will be a loss for Cabbagetown. It’s a result of changes in the priorities of funding agencies which reduced their support by 65% and by the stress of accommodating pandemic precautions. The move will happen in August 2024. More info will come about future locations and about the CCDT’s programs for 2024/2025.
Blue heritage plaques
The Cabbagetown Preservation Association has placed five more blue plaques around the neighbourhood to celebrate people whose lives made noteworthy contributions - Frederick Varley (a member of the Group of Seven painters) on Carlton across from Riverdale Park West, June Rowlands (first woman to serve as Mayor of Toronto) on Sumach just north of Winchester, Murray Laufer (innovative stage designer and artist) on Sumach just north of Carlton, J Norman Emerson (dean of Canadian archeology) on Howard just west of Parliament and Richard Gwyn (journalist, historian and biographer) at Carlton and Sackville. Thanks to Weenen Contracting for installing these plaques at no cost to the CPA.
Marilyn’s nail clinic
Marilyn’s regular monthly nail clinic for your pets happens on Saturday April 1 at Pet Valu (240 Carlton), 9 am to 4 pm. She’s handled cats, dogs, Guinea pigs and rabbits. 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.
Cleo’s film - The Young Wife
Cleo Pettigrew Brown created her film and had it shown at The Female Eye Fest and at The Cabbagetown Short Film Festival. It’s now available, free, online on YouTube.
Humane Society
The Society has called out for donations of blankets and sheets. If you can spare anything, please drop it off at 11 River Street between 11 am and 6 pm.
Easter egg hunt
The Cabbagetown BIA is organizing a two-fold contest. First - an egg painting contest from April 1 to April 8. Pick up your free egg painting kit at a participating business. Paint your egg, take a photo and upload it on Instagram (use the hashtag #CabbagetownEggPainting) or email it to the BIA before 11:59 pm on April 8. A winner will be chosen and will receive cash or gift card prizes. Second - on Saturday April 8 from 11 am to 3 pm, go to the BIA website and get an egg hunting map. Visit the participating businesses and find the hidden eggs with the BIA sticker. When you’re done, take a picture of your eggs (showing the stickers) and post it on Instagram (use the hashtag #CabbagetownEggHunt). The winner with the most eggs will get a gift certificate or cash prize.
Forsythia Festival
Volunteers are needed for the first big event of the Spring season. High school students who want their volunteer hours to be recorded are welcome. The jobs are lots of fun and the Festival is very popular. It takes place on Sunday May 7 - the parade starts at 10 am in Riverdale Park West and the Festival runs from 11 am to 3 pm in Wellesley Park. You can email Sara to sign up.
Daniels at Parliament and Gerrard
Two new buildings on this corner will impact both Regent Park and Cabbagetown. The south tower is now being launched. It has 25 floors and 313 units. Details, floor plans and pricing are now being unveiled. The north tower launched last Fall - it has 10 storeys and 300 units. Details about these projects are available online at The Daniels Corporation. Email Lamis Dantis for more info and your registration for your unit.
TTC service changes
Subway service on the Bloor Danforth line will be adjusted and increased to account for heavier passenger traffic. Due to overhead construction, the 504 King streetcar service east of Bathurst to Queen will be temporarily suspended and it will switch to Queen. Replacement buses will operate on King - the 504C from Dundas West station to Mill Street near the Distillery and 504D from Strachan to Broadview and Gerrard. These change came into effect on March 26.
The BIA is hiring
The Cabbagetown BIA (239 Carlton) is hiring two young people for summer jobs between May 8 and September 29. Lana and Shivon worked there last year and said they had a great time. The Marketing and Events Coordinator will work on the Cabbagetown Festival, smaller summer events and social media campaigns. The Operations and Events Coordinator will handle volunteer training, one-on-one work with the businesses, public realm beautification and streetscape improvements. If you’re interested, check out the job descriptions, pay and other details online at Indeed.
Cabbagetown Residents Association
The CRA represents residents who live east of Parliament and north of Gerrard. The Association is looking for volunteers to join its Board of Directors. They hope to attract people who like to coordinate events, handle the book keeping and work with City of Toronto officials. Check the CRA website for info about nomination procedures and the work done by the Board.
Get a free tree - last chance to register
The Corktown Business & Residents Association is giving away free trees and Cabbagetown residents are included in the offer. Check the poster to see the varieties that are available. Available on Saturday, April 29, 2023. Email your request no later than March 31.
Ducks on Amelia Street
Deirdre sent along a photo of two Mallard ducks enjoying a visit to her backyard on Amelia on Tuesday. (Photo: Deirdre Sadler)
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Office space for rent
The offices at 493 Parliament above the TD Bank have extra space to rent. This office is open and bright. The common areas are available including a kitchen, a meeting room and seating in the entrance area. There’s elevator access to the second floor. It’s an ideal space for a lawyer or professional. For more info and for a tour of the space, call Tony Lafazanis at (416) 979-1770. $850 month plus HST.
COMING EVENTS
Ramadan meals
The Regent Park Catering Collective is offering free meals to Ramadan observers. Every Wednesday to April 19 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. Break the fast and pray Maghrib prayer together. Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E).
Cabbagetown Talks
The Cabbagetown Preservation Association is hosting another in its Cabbagetown Talks series. Thursday, April 13, 7 to 9 pm, Meeting House at Riverdale Farm (Winchester and Sumach). Learn about the redesign at Saint Luke’s Church (Carlton and Sherbourne). For meeting details, click here.
Dixonlicious is coming
This is the big gala that helps to pay for Dixon Hall’s food support program - Meals on Wheels, summer camp, homeless shelter, AIDS programs and children and youth programs. Tickets are $100. It’s a celebration of local restaurants, chefs and breweries and it features an exciting silent and live auction. Save the date - Tuesday June 6, 6 to 9 pm, Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E).
Stretch & strength
Gina Dineen is starting regular Essentrics classes at the Cabbagetown Youth Centre (2 Lancaster) for both beginners and experienced exercisers who want to add stretch and strength activity to their aerobics. The class starts on Monday March 29 at 9:30 am. Drop-in style, $5/class.
Step classes
Brenda Brown McNee’s popular step class at the Cabbagetown Youth Centre (2 Lancaster) will continue every Wednesday through April. Drop-ins are welcome. Children are also welcome. Fee is $5 or PWYC. For more info, a detailed safety list and an equipment list, email Brenda.
IN OUR STORES
AAA Accounting & Tax
Owen practices from his Parliament Street office (462 Parliament) and from his informative website. His newsletters on his website give insights about current tax issues - new items on your tax return, professional and union dues, home office expenses, instalments, First Home Savings Account, RRSPs and TFSA contributions and lots more. Click here to read his news.
Labour of Love
Join the Family Stories Writing workshop on Saturday, April 1, 1 to 4 pm. Mary Fairhurst Breen will guide the workshop with simple prompts to start your project. Notebooks and a light lunch are provided. For more info, check out the events section online. $60. 223 Carlton.
Eclectisaurus
Leslie has announced that she’s closing her store (249 Gerrard E) and going online on April 30. Throughout April, her inventory is on sale at 30% off. She features mid-century modern pieces, vintage and 20th Century designs - furniture, art, ceramics and more.
St Jamestown Steak & Chops
Mark is now taking your orders for your Easter feasts. 516 Parliament
KIDS STUFF
Family Drop-in - rescheduled
Enjoy a Spring celebration at Allan Gardens. Daffodil crafts, micro greens to grow at home, bird-song matchup and plant sale. Activities for kids 3 to 8 years old and siblings are welcome. Children’s Conservatory (160 Gerrard E), Allan Gardens. Saturday April 1, 10:30 am.
RESTAURANT NEWS
Market Brews
The Aviary hosts Market Brews on Sunday April 2 from noon to 6 pm. Enjoy brunch, brews from Longslice and a community market. 484 Front East
Cyril’s soup
Cyril’s making two soups - split pea with pork shoulder ($4.50/cup for 3 to 9 cups and $4/cup for 10 or more) and split pea vegan ($3.50/cup for 3 to 9 cups and $3/cup for 10 or more). His juice is cantaloupe, orange and carrot (2 cups for $9.50). For delivery on Saturday April 8. Please send him an email with your order.
WEEKLY CALENDAR - CLUBS & PUBS
THURSDAY MARCH 30 TO SUNDAY APRIL 9
For contact info about these clubs and restaurants, see the list at the bottom of this page.
THURSDAY MARCH 30
Dominion
6:30 pm, Pubstumpers Trivia
FRIDAY MARCH 31
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
Super Bargain
10 pm, DJ Shamz
Wing House
9 pm, Karaoke
SATURDAY APRIL 1
Bolokelen Malinke Percussion
Noon, traditional West African drumming classes with Amadou Kienou
2 pm, beginner drumming classes with Anna Melnikoff
SUNDAY APRIL 2
The Aviary
Noon to 6 pm, Market Brews community market.
Dominion
6 pm dinner and 7 pm, stand-up comedy
MONDAY APRIL 3
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
Super Bargain
Fresh oysters
TUESDAY APRIL 4
Aviary
8 pm, Bird Brain trivia
Golden Pigeon
7 pm, jazz and $2 oysters
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
WEDNESDAY APRIL 5
Bolokelen Malinke Percussion
7:30 pm, traditional West African drumming classes with Amadou Kienou
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, euchre night
The Golden Pigeon
7 pm, Random Trivia
THURSDAY APRIL 6
Dominion
6:30 pm, Pubstumpers Trivia
FRIDAY APRIL 7
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
Aviary
Easter Egg Draw - continues to April 10
Super Bargain
Fresh oysters
10 pm, DJ Shamz
Wing House
9 pm, Karaoke
SATURDAY APRIL 8
Aviary
Easter Egg Draw - continues to April 10
Bolokelen Malinke Percussion
Noon, traditional West African drumming classes with Amadou Kienou
2 pm, beginner drumming classes with Anna Melnikoff
SUNDAY APRIL 9
Aviary
Easter Egg Draw - continues to April 10
Dominion
6 pm dinner and 7 pm, stand-up comedy
CONTACT INFO
Alice’s Place - 554 Parliament
Aviary - 484 Front East
Bolokelen Malinke Percussion - 243 Gerrard E
Cranberries - 601 Parliament
Distillery - Mill Street and Parliament
Dominion - 500 Queen E
El Catrin - 18 Tank House Lane, Distillery
Golden Pigeon - 424 Parliament
House on Parliament - 454 Parliament
NJ Lounge - 507 Parliament
Stout Irish Pub - 221 Carlton
Super Bargain - 441 Parliament
Wing House - 420 Parliament
