Thanks go out to the Cabbagetown Residents Association for putting it all together. It’s a big job and you do it very well! Thanks as well to the sponsors who make the event possible and the volunteers who pitch in on all the jobs through the day.
Forsythia Festival - volunteer now
Be a volunteer at the Festival. It’s a fun job and you have a chance to meet new friends and neighbours. You can do a one-hour shift or more. High school students can earn credits for their hours. To get more info, email Sara Jones to sign up.
LOCAL NEWS
The traffic maze and the new bike lanes
The public meeting last Thursday at BGC Toronto Kiwanis (101 Spruce) did cast some extra light on the new ideas for a traffic maze and for extra bike lanes in Cabbagetown. The session followed a pattern that’s become common in community consultations. It wasn’t a “meeting” - it was a one-sided presentation. The info about the project was broken into segments that were displayed on posters around the room. City staff and consultants were also available for one-on-one discussions. Absent from all of this was any formal presentation, discussion and debate. There’s online info as well.
One guy brought his opinions
Trevor Townsend, a representative from a group called Keep Toronto Moving gave a speech at the traffic consultation. He walked into the room and asked, in an authoritative voice, for everyone’s attention. He spoke passionately about the need to curtail and roll back the bike lanes around the city. At his conclusion, he offered info sheets for anyone interested in joining his group. He was greeted by some boos and also by several people who thanked him and took his paperwork. His group has a website.
Wow - the new Parliament Street
The paving work on Parliament north of Carlton to Wellesley is finished and it’s a wonder. But I’m still a cynic. Let’s start a contest to see who can pick the date when the first big dig tears up the new surface. Last time this work was done, the gas company attacked the street before the asphalt had a chance to cool.
Condo proposal on Parliament Street
There are two immediate issues facing the condo proposal for the Canadian Contemporary Dance Theatre site (505-509 Parliament). Its developers have asked for a ten storey condo with 85 units and with ground floor retail spaces. City planners and City Council have to weigh the relevance of the Toronto Preservation Board statement that this is a significant property. In addition, the 45-foot height bylaw along Parliament Street is still in effect - this proposal calls for a building rising 120 feet. Tiffany Ly is the City planner on the project. She’s organizing a virtual community meeting for later in May. The links to the application website aren’t working currently - if you want to visit it, keep trying!
By-election for a new mayor - update
We can now register for a mail-in ballot. Go to the website to start the process. You can also check your name on the voters’ list and make any necessary corrections. Both steps end on May 26. By the way, 70 candidates have tossed their names into the ring by Thursday evening.
230Fightback
230fightback is protesting the large condo development planned for 214 to 230 Sherbourne south of Dundas. They’re calling on Chris Moise to stop the project and start expropriation proceedings. It’s located on a large property that’s been the focus of pressures and speculation about affordable housing. Architects working with the Ontario Coalition against Poverty recently drew up a plan for high-rise affordable rental units. When she was our Councillor, Kristyn Wong-Tam wanted the site expropriated by the City and used for affordable housing. None of these ideas succeeded and the property was sold to KingSett Capital for a 47-storey condo project. That application is now making its way through City Hall. 230fightback has a list of media articles on its website detailing its struggle.
A turkey in Cabbagetown
Tim Tripp snapped his photo of this fine bird at Central Neighbourhood House (349 Ontario) and posted it online. In the comments, people said that wild turkeys are now a more common sight in the city.
COMING EVENTS
Marilyn’s nail clinic
Marilyn’s regular monthly nail clinic for your pets happens on Saturday May 6 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.
Jane’s Walk
This annual open-door exploration of Toronto’s famous and hidden landmarks happens from Friday May 5 through Sunday May 7. There are several walks in our immediate neighbourhood. Waterways: Histories of the Don on Friday May 5 at 5:30 pm. Canary in the Pan Am on Saturday at 2:30 pm. 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. 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.
Waterfront Open House
From May 11 to 18, Waterfront Toronto is serving up a sneak peek at the future of the eastern waterfront - Quayside, Port Lands, East Bayfront and the Waterfront East Light Rail Transit. There’s a drop-in open house to explain progress on each of these. The opening night event is also a free drop-in but tickets are required - click here for times, more info and reservations. It all happens at the Waterfront Innovation Centre, second floor, the Nexus (155 Queens Quay E at Lower Jarvis).
Save these dates
The Cabbagetown Farmers’ Market opens in Riverdale Park West (Sumach and Winchester) from 3 to 7 pm on Tuesday May 16. The Underpass Farmers’ Market opens in Corktown (29 Lower River Street) from 4 to 7:30 pm on Thursday May 25.
KIDS NEWS
Storytelling in the Park
Saturday May 6 and Saturday May 20, 11 am, in the playground at Allan Gardens. Families are welcome, drop-ins are welcome. Free books for each child. Presented by Friends of Allan Gardens and The Children’s Book Bank.
Drop-in Circle Time
Singing, rhymes, stories and fun for babies and toddlers. Every Friday at 11 am, starting May 12. Children’s Book Bank (585 Dundas E, Suite 260)
Storytelling
Saturdays from 4:30 pm. Sherbourne Street branch - Children’s Book Bank (561 Sherbourne).
Children’s Book Bank birthday
Congrats to the Children’s Book Bank - 15 years old in May. To celebrate, there’ll be visits from authors, artists and storytellers and literacy-themed giveaways for children of all ages. On May 27 and 28, there’ll be a huge sale for grown-ups at the Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E). All proceeds from the book sale will support the Book Bank’s children’s literacy programming. Check the website for specific dates and times.
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. Click on the picture for a bigger image.
Stretch & strength
Gina Dineen’s Essentrics class happens every week at the Cabbagetown Youth Centre (2 Lancaster) on Mondays at 9:30 am. Beginners and experienced exercisers are welcome. Drop-in style, $5/class.
Step classes
Brenda Brown McNee’s popular step class at the Cabbagetown Youth Centre (2 Lancaster) will continue at 9:15 am every Wednesday through May. Drop-ins are welcome. Children are also welcome. $5 or PWYC. For more info, email Brenda.
MOTHER’S DAY
Spruce pop-up at Labour of Love
Kim is working with Regina and her team at Labour of Love (223 Carlton) to bring her collection of Danish candles, incense and other best-selling items back to Cabbagetown. Her pop-up will run until the end of June. She’ll be there personally on Saturday May 13 during a Mother’s Day special.
The Great Mallard
Find a great selection of Mother’s Day gift ideas for every type of mom here at The Great Mallard (503 Parliament). From gourmet sauces and spreads, to handmade soaps, candles, jewellery as well as custom gift baskets upon request. Be sure to drop by, say hello and take a look at your Mother’s Day gift options or shop online.
Free beermosa
Moms who visit The Aviary (484 Front E) for brunch from 11 am to 4 pm on Saturday May 13 or Sunday May 14 will enjoy a free beermosa from Longslice Brewery.
Plant sale
Friends of Allan Gardens are having a Mother’s Day plant sale on Saturday May 13 and Sunday May 14 from noon to 4 pm. Multiple vendors, indoors and outside. You’ll be able to select native plant and trees, veggie starters and cultural plants. Children’s Conservatory (160 Gerrard).
Staij & Co
Staij & Co (552 Parliament) has pastries, preserves and baked goods ready for your Mother’s Day brunch and dinner. Check out their selections online and order what you need.
Tea sets from Roselle
Roselle (362 King E) has an amazing menu for Mother’s Day. It’s a tea set for two people. It includes cream scones, jasmine tea cream scones, strawberry rose guava jam, clotted cream, asparagus and parmesan quiche, artichoke, spinach and ramp tea sandwiches, smoked salmon, roasted cauliflower and romanesco tea sandwiches, sable Breton bites, elderflower apple cake, hibiscus cheesecake, blueberry lavender cream puff, Pomona vanilla Madeline, chrysanthemum meringue, blackcurrant violet caramel and assorted Sloane teas. Pre-orders open at 8 pm on Monday May 8 for pick-up between 11 am and 3 pm on Saturday or Sunday. For your best experience, remember to pick up your tea set on the same day as your meal happens. $100.
RESTAURANT NEWS
Score a great deal at F’Amelia
F’Amelia (12 Amelia) has a good idea for all hockey fans. Get two pizzas and six tall cans of beer for takeout during the Leafs’ playoff run. This offer is valid only on the Leafs’ playoff nights. $50. Call (416) 323-0666.
Wine tasting and dinner at Fusilli
Enjoy a four-course dinner from Napoles along with recommended Italian wines. Open your evening with Fusilli’s focaccia and Spumante Brut 2022. Your pasta is accompanied with Greco di Tufo 2021. The main course is pork tenderloin and Aglianico 2019. For dessert, there’s strawberry Romanoff and Lambrusco. Wednesday May 17 at 7 pm. Reservations at (416) 214-5148, $84.
Phosome
Ally CA posted her review of Phosome (480 Parliament) on Cabbagetown Parents in late April. “I ordered 2 dishes today … o my gosh it's so yummy” Other comments were equally enthused.
Cyril’s soup
Cyril’s making a curried lentil and apricot soup for delivery on Saturday May 6. “The main ingredients are lentils, tomatoes, onions, and dried apricots; the main seasonings are curry powder, ginger, and garlic…finished with a splash of coconut milk.” ($3.50/cup for 3 to 9 cups and $3/cup for 10 or more). His juice is orange, mango and pomegranate (2 cups for $9.50). Please send him an email with your order.
WEEKLY CALENDAR - CLUBS & PUBS
THURSDAY MAY 4 TO SUNDAY MAY 14
For contact info about these clubs and restaurants, see the list at the bottom of this page.
THURSDAY MAY 4
Dominion
6:30 pm, Pubstumpers Trivia
FRIDAY MAY 5
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
Super Bargain
10 pm, DJ Shamz
Wing House
9 pm, Karaoke
SATURDAY MAY 6
Bolokelen Malinke Percussion
Noon, traditional West African drumming classes with Amadou Kienou
2 pm, beginner drumming classes with Anna Melnikoff
SUNDAY MAY 7
Wellesley Park
11 am to 3 pm - Forsythia Festival
Dominion
6 pm dinner and 7 pm, stand-up comedy
Super Bargain
3 pm, Sunday Funday
MONDAY MAY 8
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
TUESDAY MAY 9
Aviary
8 pm, Bird Brain trivia
Golden Pigeon
7 pm, jazz and $2 oysters
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
WEDNESDAY MAY 10
Bolokelen Malinke Percussion
7:30 pm, traditional West African drumming classes with Amadou Kienou
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, euchre night
The Golden Pigeon
Bar trivia with Rachelle Lauzon
THURSDAY MAY 11
Dominion
6:30 pm, Pubstumpers Trivia
FRIDAY MAY 12
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
Super Bargain
10 pm, DJ Shamz
Wing House
9 pm, Karaoke
SATURDAY MAY 13
The Aviary
Noon - Market Brews presents artists, local crafts and Longslice brews
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 MAY 14 - MOTHER’S DAY
Dominion
6 pm dinner and 7 pm, stand-up comedy
Super Bargain
3 pm, Sunday Funday
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
