CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD
REVIEW
MY PERSONAL VIEW
It’s time now to remove the tents
FEATURED ARTIST
Ruth Wagner is a prize-winning artist who works in pastels. She’s shown her work with the Pastel Artists of Canada and with the Artists Network of Riverdale. This image - one of several inspired by her garden - is titled “Among the White Ones”. It’s 12 x 12”, done in soft pastels on Pastel Premier sanded white paper.
LOCAL NEWS
A new condo on Parliament Street
Recently the CCDT owners announced that their theatre (509 Parliament) will close in August 2024. This week, real estate blogs are reporting that Streetwise Capital Projects has submitted a plan to the City of Toronto for an 11-storey condo to be built on this site. It would also include 505-507 Parliament where Naija Jollof Lounge (formerly Pear Tree) is located. The plan calls for a building that’s 120 feet high with 85 residential and three commercial units. The initial project report acknowledges the site’s history but also notes that it is not a designated heritage property. There’s no mention of the 45-foot height limit that has dominated recent construction proposals along the street.
Construction on Parliament
Last Year, the City started a project to replace water mains under Parliament Street from Carlton to Wellesley. The pylons have been put in place for the second stage of the work. It’s about to start with a tentative finishing date in July.
Forsythia Festival sponsors
Be a sponsor at the Forsythia Festival. It’s a very popular event and the organizers always make sure that supporters and sponsors are widely thanked. Last year, two dozen local businesses made their contributions. By March 30, an impressive number of local sponsors had made gold-level donations - Buds and Blossoms, Bullitt Staffing, Canadian Contemporary Dance Theatre, Daniel et Daniel, Dova, The Epicure Shop, Hepburn Landscape Contractors, HomeLife/Realty One, Labour of Love, Velvet Lane Cakes and Weenen General Contracting. To get more info, email Sara Jones to sign up.
Environment days
The City’s Environment Day arrives here in The Big Park in Regent Park (620 Dundas E) on Saturday April 22 from 10 am to 2 pm. You can get rid of electronic equipment, hazardous waste, reuseable household items and non-perishable food items. You can also get 13kg bags of compost for your garden. For a full list, check out the website.
Community clean-up days
Friday April 21 to Sunday April 23. Local residents are organizing together to clean up the streets, parks and lanes around their homes. Register your cleanup with the City of Toronto to get a special litter pickup. Aberdeen Ave Residents Group is having its day on Saturday April 22 from 11 am to 1 pm. Corktown residents are meeting at Enoch Turner Schoolhouse (107 Trinity) from 10 am to 2 pm on Saturday April 22 - supplies and refreshments provided. Friends of Regent Park are having a community clean-up on Saturday April 22 from 10 am to noon - meet at the Bake Oven in the Big Park (620 Dundas E).
Spring is in the air
Green Thumbs Growing Kids is organizing its annual Spring fundraiser in the Children’s Conservatory in Allan Gardens on Sunday, April 30 from 1 to 4 pm. This family-friendly event is free and it features a plant sale, food, music, a silent auction and a kids’ zone. Check the website for more info about Green Thumbs Growing Kids.
Rupee has a companion
A big Cabbagetown welcome to Flora. She’s a red and white Holstein mix and according to Farm staff, she’s settling in happily. She arrived at Riverdale Farm (Sumach and Winchester) and she’s the second cow there. Rupee, the other cow, spent a considerable time alone and no doubt, she’s happy to have Flora with her.
IN THE MEDIA
Tents in Allan Gardens
Bob Hepburn has written about these encampments in his weekly Toronto Star column. He summarizes residents’ fears and frustrations as well as the impact of the tents in the park.
Future condo at the Dance Theatre site
Storeys Toronto has written about plans to build a ten-storey condo on the site of the CCDT Dance Theatre building (509 Parliament). The plans also include the property at 505-507 Parliament, the home of Naija Jollof Lounge (formerly, Pear Tree).
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Teacher training - trauma recovery
Angela Jervis-Reed is hosting online workshops about trauma recovery. Six sessions show how yoga can help trauma victims. April 14 to 23. Six sessions, 30 hours, certification by Yoga Alliance. For details about the classes, click here.
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
Danny Marks
Danny’s back at the Smoke Show BBQ & Brew (744 Mount Pleasant Rd) on Saturday, 3 to 6 pm.
Stoner Chicks comedy
AnnA at Bolokelen Malinke Percussion (243 Gerrard E) is hosting Stoner Chicks again on Friday April 14 from 8 pm. It’s a night of outrageous and delightful comedy. $20. Get your tickets online.
Open house at The Sumach
The Sumach (146 Sumach) is holding its Spring Open House on April 21 and 22 from 10 am to 4 pm daily. It’s your chance to learn about the residence and its wide range of attractive facilities. On April 21 from 1 to 4 pm, there’s a pop-up and farmers’ market. On both days, there’s a free soul food lunch from 11:30 am to 1 pm - please rsvp to Grant Hooper at (416) 910-3431 or by email.
Cabbagetown Farmers Market updates
The Market opens at 3 pm on May 16. David Doze reports that planning is well underway. Vendors for the 2023 season have been secured. Announcements will be made soon. You can join the email list and stay informed about seasonal local produce, tasty dinner options, featured popups, live music and more on the Market’s email list - go to the website and scroll to the bottom.
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).
FOR YOUR BODY
This week at Parliament Street Fitness
PSF (488 Parliament) offers both personal fitness opportunities and weekly organized classes. Their class schedules will be shown here every week, fresh from their blackboard in the gym. Updates will be posted every Monday.
Tune-ups and sales at Cycle Solutions
Cycle Solutions (444 Parliament) is ready to give your bike your annual Spring tune-up. There’s an easy-to-use form on its website - check it out and make your reservation. While you’re at the store, see the bikes and parts that are currently on sale - good bargains to start your cycling season.
Tai Chi in the park
Every Saturday morning at 10 am. Classes are free - about an hour long. Riverdale Park (Sumach and Winchester), near the entrance to the Farm.
Stretch & strength
Gina Dineen’s Essentrics class happens every week at the Cabbagetown Youth Centre (2 Lancaster) on Mondays at 9:30 am. Her April 17 class will focus on posture. It’s for both beginners and experienced exercisers who want to add stretch and strength activity to their aerobics. 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. The class on April 19 will be a review of the various techniques used in these exercises - good for beginners and a refresher for more experienced people. 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
Two more weeks before the annual tax deadline. Owen’s newsletters and his website give insights about current tax issues. Click here to read his news.
Labour of Love
Regina holds regular workshops in Labour of Love (223 Carlton). Check out her coming event - Intro to Baking with Cannabis with Ann Allchin. Thursday April 20, 6 to 8 pm. Learn about baking edibles and taste some infused or uninfused goodies. Try your hand at decorating a tie-dye weed cookie, chat over a CBD cocktail and ask questions about all things cannabis in a judgement-free zone. $55.66. Go online for more info and to reserve your spot.
RESTAURANT NEWS
Pasta Family
F’Amelia (12 Amelia) has revived its popular Pasta Family offerings. You can select from its menus and cook these dishes in your own kitchen - pastas and sauces, appetizers, side dishes, desserts and oven ready dishes. Check out their website.
Brunch at DOVA
Here’s a scrumptious dish for a delicious start to your weekend - Italian buratta, roasted fresh figs, white radicchio, olive oil pistachio cream & roasted pistachios. See the menu online. Every Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 2.30 pm. 229 Carlton.
Margherita Mondays
Gusto 501 (501 King E) invites you to start your week with a Margherita pizza. For every pie sold, Gusto 501 will contribute $1 to Toronto Food Share. Nifty plan.
Patios are open
The Cabbagetown BIA is praising some of the beautiful patios in our neighbourhood - L’Avenue (583 Parliament), Dova (229 Carlton), F’Amelia (12 Amelia), Golden Pigeon (424 Parliament), Stout Irish Pub (with your puppy at 221 Carlton), Alice’s Place (554 Parliament) and, of course, House on Parliament (456 Parliament). Get outside, catch some rays and have a great meal.
Cyril’s soup
Cyril’s making a vegan black bean and sweet potato chilli to hedge his bets - it’s warm today but a cold day could still arrive at any time ($3.50/cup for 3 to 9 cups and $3/cup for 10 or more). His juice is apple, beetroot and strawberry (2 cups for $9.50). For delivery on Saturday April 22. Please send him an email with your order.
WEEKLY CALENDAR - CLUBS & PUBS
THURSDAY APRIL 13 TO SUNDAY APRIL 23
- For contact info about these clubs and restaurants, see the list at the bottom of this page.
THURSDAY APRIL 13
Dominion
6:30 pm, Pubstumpers Trivia
FRIDAY APRIL 14
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
Bolokelen Malinke Percussion
8 pm, Stoner Chicks comedy night
Super Bargain
Fresh oysters
10 pm, DJ Shamz
Wing House
9 pm, Karaoke
SATURDAY APRIL 15
Aviary
Noon to 6 pm, Market Brews community market
Bolokelen Malinke Percussion
Noon, traditional West African drumming classes with Amadou Kienou
2 pm, beginner drumming classes with Anna Melnikoff
SUNDAY APRIL 16
Aviary
Noon to 6 pm, Market Brews community market
Dominion
6 pm dinner and 7 pm, stand-up comedy
MONDAY APRIL 17
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
Super Bargain
7 pm, It’s Tricky - trivia
TUESDAY APRIL 18
Aviary
8 pm, Bird Brain trivia
Golden Pigeon
7 pm, jazz and $2 oysters
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
9 to 11 pm, Stout After Dark starts with $6 beer, apps and shots
Super Bargain
7 pm, drag bingo
WEDNESDAY APRIL 19
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 with Rachelle Lauzon
THURSDAY APRIL 20
Dominion
6:30 pm, Pubstumpers Trivia
FRIDAY APRIL 21
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
Super Bargain
Oysters and DJ Shamz
Wing House
9 pm, Karaoke
SATURDAY APRIL 22
Dominion
8 pm, Live music
Bolokelen Malinke Percussion
Noon, traditional West African drumming classes with Amadou Kienou
2 pm, beginner drumming classes with Anna Melnikoff
SUNDAY APRIL 23
Dominion
6 pm dinner and 7 pm, stand-up comedy
The Aviary
Noon to 6 pm, Market Brews community market.
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
