April 20

CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD 

REVIEW

FEATURED ARTIST

Michael Cavanaugh

Michael has a new website.  His pictures are presented in a clear and interesting style.  He’s included sections on his paintings, drawings and murals as well as his show at the Worth Gallery. His work is also included on the Cabbagetown Artists website.

LOCAL NEWS 

Cabbagetown Youth Centre

The refurbished CYC (2 Lancaster) is back in business. It’s partnered with BGC Toronto Kiwanis (101 Spruce) and Greg Gary serves as its executive director.  Programming is now underway for kids ranging from infants to 20.  The CAPC after school program is its most active - based at the CYC and at Rose Avenue School.  There are basketball leagues for St James Town and for St James Town-Regent Park.  The Boxing Club has restarted with competitive programs for ages 8 to 16, 17 to 19 and 20+.  Adult community classes with Gina Dineen and with Brenda Brown McNee happen weekly.  The CYC is now working with the community on its 2023 Blair’s Run.  

Chris Moise’s new office

Councillor Moise is opening his constituency office (329 Parliament) at 1 pm on April 29.  We’re invited for fun and food - please also bring some non-perishable food items for the Allan Gardens Food Bank.  

Regent Park 

Tridel has applied for changes to the original revitalization plan for Phases 4 and 5 in Regent Park - these are the final phases along the south side of Gerrard Street. Tridel wants 13 buildings with heights up to 39 storeys with 3,070 residential units.  1,876 units will be market value and 1,194 will be Toronto Community Housing rentals.  A new library to replace the Parliament Street branch and a new central plaza are also planned.   There will be 15,490 square feet of retail and community space. 

Three chances to give your opinion

The City of Toronto is getting busy in Cabbagetown.  First, there’s a survey to get your opinions about the future shape of Anniversary Park - it closes on Friday April 23.  The website has lots of background info.  Second, there are three separate scenarios for a new traffic plan along Sumach, Sackville, Winchester, Wellesley and River.  Printed brochures have been distributed.  There’s a public meeting at 6 pm on Thursday April 27 at BGC Toronto Kiwanis (101 Spruce).  There’s online info as well. Third, there are big issues with the planning application for the future work in Regent Park.  A virtual meeting will happen on Tuesday April 25 from 6 to 8 pm.  To get the link for the meeting, go to the City Planning Consultations site.

Park facilities

The Parks department is opening its facilities earlier than usual this year.  They’ve already started to turn on stand-alone drinking fountains and they will finish all of them by May 5.  By May 20, the splash pads will be open.  Wading pools will be open by June 30.  

Join the Cabbagetown Festival

The Cabbagetown BIA has issued its call for vendors at the 2023 Cabbagetown Festival.  We have lots of independent businesses and crafts people in Cabbagetown and this is a good opportunity for you.  The Festival will include space for local vendors selling handmade goods and products.  There’s also room for non-profit groups who want to tell Festival-goers about their work.  The rates for the weekend are really attractive.  It happens on Saturday September 9 and Sunday September 10. Check out the application info at the BIA’s website.

Be part of the Tour of Homes

Daniel Bloch has reached out to homeowners willing to add their homes to the Tour of Homes.  It’s a great event and a prestigious one for the homes included on the Tour.  Event organizers have firm control over preparations, security during the Tour and any needed clean-ups or repairs afterward.  It happens on Sunday September 17.  There’s a good summary at the CPA website. 

Forsythia Festival

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.  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 Corktown Common are meeting on Saturday April 22 at 10 am at the Pavilion in the park (155 Bayview). 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).    (Photo:  Pat Mills showing the 2022 Aberdeen clean-up crew)

IN THE MEDIA

Flooding in Riverdale Park West

On April 6, Greg told us about the annual flooding and mud on the path at Riverdale Park West.  Since then, Parks staff have started investigating the cause.  They’re now waiting for four dry days to drain the nearby pond so they can see where the problem is happening.  Global News picked up the story. (Photo: Matthew Bingley, Global News) 

Roofers’ scam

The scam is still out there - be careful.  Last week, Victoria Hadden reported a team operating on Aberdeen.  They have a white truck.  They ask for a deposit and of course, never show up to do the work.  They may be aggressive about coming into your house.  If you encounter them, call the police. The Toronto Observer has a detailed story about scammers and their techniques. (Photo: Zohair Mirza/Unsplash)

COMING EVENTS

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. 

Jane’s Walk

The annual exploration of Toronto’s famous and hidden landmarks happens on May 5 to May 7.  In 2023, there are several walks in our immediate neighbourhood - Two Centuries of King Street East on Sunday May 7 at 10 am (sponsored by the Enoch Turner Schoolhouse), Don Valley:  Past, Present & Future Opportunities on Sunday May 7 at 10 am and Corktown: See It Before It’s Gone on Sunday May 7 at 1 pm.  More Walks are being added - go to the main website for a full listing. 

KIDS NEWS

Sikh Heritage Month

The Children’s Book Bank is celebrating Sikh Heritage Month at both of its stores with a special story time. 11:30 am in Regent Park (Daniels Spectrum, 585 Dundas E, Unit 260) and 4 pm on Sherbourne (561 Sherbourne, Level P3).  

For the birds

A family event in Allan Gardens exploring the fascinating connection between birds and plants.  Saturday April 29. 10 am to noon.  Children’s Conservatory (160 Gerrard 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.

FOR YOUR BODY

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.

Join the Cabbagetown Boxing Club

The Club (upstairs, 2 Lancaster) has several non-contact boxing options.  The junior program is for 6 to 13 year olds. There’s also a female recreational boxercise class and a co-ed recreational boxercise class.  And there’s an open gym membership option.  For more info and contacts, go to the Club's website.

Stretch & strength

Gina Dineen’s Essentrics class happens every week at the Cabbagetown Youth Centre (2 Lancaster) on Mondays at 9:30 am.  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. 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

Kendall’s got new goodies

Kendall & Co (514 Parliament) have loaded up the store with new inventory.  Kendall says that his candles, baskets and soaps are proving very popular.  The huge card selection is back.  That’s not all - they have lots of other small items to please everyone.  Drop in and find a treasure for your Mother’s Day gift.

The season has started

Spring is definitely here - plants and flowers are available and ready for planting in your garden.  Drop in to Parliament Smoke & Gift (609 Parliament), Jamestown Milk (592 Parliament), Fairway (520 Parliament) and Jay’s Garden Centre (Sackville and Gerrard).  

AAA Accounting & Tax

Never mind the striking bureaucrats - you still have to file your tax return.  Ten more days 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 exhibitions and workshops in Labour of Love (223 Carlton). From April 29 to May 20, she’s helping photoEd Magazine launch its Food Edition - join the photographers and artists behind the summer edition, sip some Sparkplug Coffee and get some chocolate covered coffee beans.  The opening event is from 1 pm on April 29.  

RESTAURANT NEWS 

Good Gang is coming

We’re getting a new ice cream shop.  It’ll be located below Tasso (540 Parliament).  Check out their Instagram page - there are flavours to die for.  They’re currently running a Bathurst Street pop-up and the Parliament location will be their permanent store.  blogTO did a profile of them recently.

A good review

Cindy Bowman has written about Ju Sushi Bar (383 Dundas E) on Friends of Cabbagetown Facebook page.  She says, “There is a great new Japanese restaurant on Dundas between Seaton and Ontario Street called Ju Sushi and Bar…The best sushi and salads we've had in a long time, fresh and delicious!”  Menus and more info are available on their website.

Stout's patio is open

Last week, my list of local patios and pubs left off Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton).  That was a big omission.  Erin reminded me that she’s open now and that your puppy is welcome to visit with you.  Get outside, catch some rays and have a great meal. 

Cyril’s soup

Cyril’s hedging his bets. The days are warm and then cold. Tee-shirts to parkas.  So he’s making a vegan black bean and sweet potato chilli ($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 20 TO SUNDAY APRIL 30

• For contact info about these clubs and restaurants, see the list at the bottom of this page.  

THURSDAY APRIL 20

Dominion

6:30 pm, Pubstumpers Trivia

FRIDAY APRIL 21

Alice’s Place

9 pm, Karaoke

Super Bargain

Fresh oysters

10 pm, DJ Shamz

Wing House

9 pm, Karaoke

SATURDAY APRIL 22

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

MONDAY APRIL 24

Stout Irish Pub

7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia

TUESDAY APRIL 25

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

WEDNESDAY APRIL 26

Bolokelen Malinke Percussion

7:30 pm, traditional West African drumming classes with Amadou Kienou

Stout Irish Pub

7 pm, euchre night

THURSDAY APRIL 27

Dominion

6:30 pm, Pubstumpers Trivia

FRIDAY APRIL 28

Alice’s Place

9 pm, Karaoke 

Super Bargain

Oysters and DJ Shamz

Wing House

9 pm, Karaoke

SATURDAY APRIL 29

The Aviary

1 pm, (H)Opera Revue

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 30

Dominion

6 pm dinner and 7 pm, stand-up comedy 

Super Bargain

9 pm, Industry night with DJ Shamz

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