CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD
REVIEW
LOCAL NEWS
This week at the Cabbagetown Farmers’ Market
Here’s the list of vendors for next Tuesday June 6 at the Cabbagetown Farmers Market (Sumach and Winchester). The Fat Quarter Band will be performing each week and donations to the band are greatly appreciated. Click on the image for a larger size.
Walk with Amal
Amal is a 12-foot tall puppet depicting a Syrian refugee child. She’s travelled 9000 km across the world to symbolize the plight of refugee children in Syria. She visited Regent Park on Thursday June 8. Beth Kaplan was there and she says,”A beautiful event sponsored by Luminato, Amal the refugee puppet walking through Regent Park, touching the orange ribbons tied to the trees, dancing to an Indigenous women’s drum circle and a local children’s band and choir. She’s a symbol, but she’s also very real. Just beautiful.” There’s a short YouTube video of her appearance there. (Photo: Beth Kaplan)
The Cabbagetown Community Arts Centre
The CCAC (422 Parliament) really needs our support - its funding is running out. Greg Loucks, its executive director, told CBC Radio that the pandemic seriously cut into its resources. Enrolments dropped and so did sponsorships. The kids have come back but sponsors have not. Its programs include several levels of affordable personal and small music classes in a variety of musical instruments for kids from St James Town, Regent Park and Moss Park. Find out more online about its work and about its GoFundMe campaign.
Supporting Ana Bailao
We’ve asked local residents and community leaders to tell us why they’ve chosen a specific candidate for mayor in this election. This week, we’re quoting Barbara Hall (our former Mayor) and Max Beck (a leading political activist). “Ana Bailao is best prepared to be the next Mayor of Toronto. We have known Ana for twenty years as a smart, hardworking, pragmatic leader…As city Councillor and deputy mayor, she has been a consensus builder who makes things happen. She has been a tough negotiator with the provincial and federal governments. Ana is passionate about building affordable housing… She will lead collaborative processes to make our city safer and healthier for all of us. Ana already has support from seven members of council. Frankly, we believe that Ana is the only candidate who, as mayor, would be able to pull council together to work effectively and to take decisive action…”
Candidate endorsements
Check out this page for the endorsements that we have received so far.
Voting info for the by-election
You can check whether you are listed on the voters’ list and also find out where you vote. Go to the City website and follow each step. A tip - some steps react slowly so if you go quickly, it may not work. First, go to MY Vote Toronto and fill in your address - it should appear in a menu below the box. Click on GO. Then on the next page, fill in the boxes on the form. You will then get confirmation whether you’re on the list. Click on the “download or print” button and your voter info will appear, including the address for your voting location.
Sean Fraser visits Cabbagetown
Sean Fraser is the federal Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship. He came to Cabbagetown with our own minister, Marci Ien, to participate in a fundraiser held at F’Amelia (12 Amelia) on Sunday.
New bike lanes
New bikes lanes throughout Cabbagetown and Winchester Park have been approved by City Council in its June 14 meeting. The design changes will only affect cyclists, not cars. Bike lanes on four streets will allow two-way bike traffic - Sumach and Sackville from Gerrard to Wellesley, Winchester from Parliament to Ontario and Ontario from Carlton to Aberdeen. Gerrard from Parliament to Sumach will have “bi-directional” bike lanes - also for two-way bike traffic. The bike lanes will be created in 2023-2024 and the Gerrard Street work will be scheduled for 2024-2025.
Objections in Winchester Park and Aberdeen
Aberdeen and Ontario residents were concerned about the change in parking on Ontario Street from the east to the west side resulting from the addition of the bike lanes. They met with city experts who looked at different designs to adjust for their concerns. Councillor Chris Moise brought an amendment to the bike plan to City Council to reflect the decisions and keep the parking on the east side.
Tent encampments in Allan Gardens
Rick Matthews has reported on the changes in the encampments in Allan Gardens between June 1 and June 8. On June 8 - there were 76 tents (up from 62 on June 1), 58 people were staying there (up from 49), 21 with housing plans (up from 18), 12 are declining alternate housing, 5 tents were removed and 1 person has accepted alternate housing.
Allan Gardens petition
The Allan Gardens Neighbourhood Group has a petition demanding that the City of Toronto remove the tent encampments in the park and restore local residents’ sense of safety there. 2,125 people have signed by Thursday, up from last week’s 1,945.
Condo proposal at 505 - 509 Parliament Street
Gilles Huot’s petition opposing this project has attracted 1,156 signatures by Thursday June 15. In his petition, he notes several flaws in the application to the City. Send him an email if you want to join his list. Gilles recommends that we contact the City planner, Tiffany Ly, with our views.
TTC service changes
Starting on Sunday June 18, the 504 King and 505 Dundas streetcars won’t operate between Broadview Station and Parliament. Buses will not run along Broadview until construction leaves a wide route for them. Additional buses will run on the 506C Carlton route between Castle Frank station and Gerrard and Broadview. The 72A Pape streetcar and the 100 Flemingdon Park buses will continue to King and Parliament. Construction on the Broadview streetcar tracks is forecast to continue until November.
New items on Jack Grunsky’s wearable art
Jack has joined with a Montreal-based wearable art company, Le Galeriste. The clothing features designs based on his art. He has his own storefront with over 100 different items for summer wear, leisure wear, active wear and out-on-the-town wear. He’s just added new items to his line. Click here to check out his wearables and to order your own.
Tour of Homes
Daniel Bloch is asking for one or two more homes to join this year’s Tour. It happens in September. If you’re interested, send him an email.
Our Farmers’ Markets
Cabbagetown Farmers’ Market - opens from 3 to 7 pm every Tuesday in Riverdale Park West (Sumach and Winchester). There’s more info online.
The Underpass Park Farmers Market - Corktown’s Farmers’ Market (29 Lower River) is open every Thursday from 4:30 to 7:30 pm until October. For more info, visit the Market’s Facebook page.
COMING EVENTS
Weed, Tacos & Comedy
Presented by Puff Mama in The Vibrational Apothecary (243 Gerrard E). “Join us at a private spot in Cabbagetown, eat good quality tacos, get high and watch a dynamite comedy show. We'll also have a little shop with baked goods, prerolls and other party favours.” $20 to $40. Click here for info and tickets.
Meet-up at Riverdale Park
Lindsay Matheson is rebuilding the family gatherings that happened in Riverdale Park but ended during the covid crisis. She wants them back, "I'm hoping to help build back some of the community that was lost or broken during Covid. I like having a close knit neighbourhood.” Thursday June 22 from 5:30 pm. It’s a potluck - so bring enough to share with 10 to 12 people and cutlery for your family. At the picnic tables outside the Farm gate (Sumach and Winchester).
Beth Kaplan’s annual workshop
Save the date - Sunday July 23, 10 am to 5 pm. Beth is having her annual writing workshop in her garden. Spend a summer day learning to trust your voice and tell your stories. Write in the garden and gain confidence and perspective from friendly contact with other writers. Lunch and a glass wine are included. $200. To register, send Beth an email.
Public meeting about Villiers Island
Villiers Island is a major project for Waterfront Toronto. When it’s finished, it’ll open up 240 hectares of new land and also provide needed flood protection from the Don River. This online meeting will provide updates on planning decisions and changes for the project and it’ll include plenty of opportunities for your feedback. Monday June 19 from 6 to 7:30 pm, online. Register here.
Tree talk in Allan Gardens
Elder Donna Powess from Six Nations, and leader of the Taiaiako'n Historical Preservation Society will talk about trees that are important to her Cayuga culture. She’ll share traditional names and stories. A vegetarian lunch will be provided. Noon to 2 pm, Thursday July 22 in the Children’s Conservatory (19 Horticultural Ave). More info and registration online here.
Storytelling in Allan Gardens
The Children’s Book Bank holds regular storytelling days in the park. The next one happens on Saturday June 17 at 11 am. Free books for every child. Meet in the playground (Jarvis and Carlton).
Under the Stars
The Sumach (146 Sumach) invites you to a night of complimentary dinner, dancing and music. There’ll be a request for donations for Pat’s Place, a temporary haven for seniors experiencing abuse at home. Friday July 21, 6 to 9 pm. Please RSVP to Grant Hooper or to Mosaic Home Care - although the event is one month away, over 60% of the places have already been reserved.
IN THE MEDIA
Fundraising for the CCAC
CBC News reported on the fundraiser for the Cabbagetown Community Arts Centre. The story gives lots of details about the Centre’s work and its need for an immediate infusion of cash. (Photo: Talia Ricci/CBC)
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.
Outdoor yoga in Trinity Square
Every Sunday from 9 to 10 am in Trinity Square at the Distillery. Hosted by Pure Yoga Toronto.
At the Cabbagetown Youth Centre (2 Lancaster)
Step classes - Brenda Brown McNee’s popular step class at 9:15 am Wednesdays. Drop-ins are welcome. Children are also welcome. $5 or PWYC. For more info, email Brenda. Stretch & strength - Gina Dineen’s weekly Essentrics class, Mondays at 9:30 am. Drop-in style, $5/class.
IN OUR SHOPS
Welcome Good Gang
Ice cream has arrived - right on our doorstep. Good Gang (540 Parliament) has opened its doors to great reviews and lots of anticipation. They’re using seasonal ingredients and careful blending to ensure that each dish is just right! Open Thursday and Friday from 3 to 8 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 2 to 8 pm. Check out blogTO’s review.
Welcome Ascend Pharmacy
The new drug store at 461Parliament has a walk-in medical clinic and a program to attack opiate addictions. This treatment involves several steps. A new client visits the store and provides a urine sample which is then analyzed onsite. A doctor conducts a virtual assessment and prescribes the appropriate medication. The client is then given an oral dose which is consumed under supervision in the store. Every week, the client provides a urine sample and consults the doctor. This treatment has been designed and is supervised by True North Medical. In addition, the store has Hep C testing, a variety of covid vaccines and a range of other pharmacy sevices. Christine (left) and Eva work daily in the store and Maria is the store’s pharmacist.
Father’s Day features
The Cabbagetown BIA has put together a great list of Father’s Day gift ideas. The Great Mallard (503 Parliament) has Weekend Cottage bbq sauce. Kendall & Co (514 Parliament) suggests a special cocktail shaker. Rapid Photo (434 Parliament) will assemble a personalized photo mug. Blooming Flower Bar(194A Carlton) has a floral bouquet. Labour of Love (223 Carlton) recommends a book of Toronto’s Best Urban Strolls. And The Epicure Shop (473 Parliament) has gathered up a foodie gift basket.
RESTAURANT NEWS
At F’Amelia
Two federal cabinet ministers - our own Marci Ien (right) and Sean Fraser (left) - got together with fifty friends for a fundraiser at F’Amelia (12 Amelia) on Sunday.
Cyril’s soup
Cyril has returned from his vacation plans. His first soup will be the one that was cancelled just before his trip - smoked tea and tomato. He uses smoked Lapsang Souchong tea along with onions and tomatoes finished with half and half cream or coconut milk. ($3.50/cup for 3 to 9 cups and $3/cup for 10 or more). His juice is orange, strawberry and grape (2 cups for $9.50). Delivery on June 17. Please send him an email with your order.
WEEKLY CALENDAR - CLUBS & PUBS
THURSDAY JUNE 15 TO SUNDAY JUNE 25
- For contact info about these clubs and restaurants, see the list at the bottom of this page.
THURSDAY JUNE 15
No events listed
FRIDAY JUNE 16
Distillery Jazz in Trinity Square
4 pm, Julian Fauth Quintet
Distlllery buskers
Summer Busker series, 4 to 8 pm.
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
The Aviary
5 pm, Aloha Friday Luau
Super Bargain
10 pm, DJ Shamz
Wing House
9 pm, Karaoke
The Vibrational Apothecary
8 pm, Weed, Tacos & Comedy - $20 to $40
SATURDAY JUNE 17
Distillery Jazz in Trinity Square
1 pm, Dixie Demons
4:30 pm, Denis Keldie Experience
Distlllery buskers
Summer Busker series, noon to 8 pm.
Mill Street Brewpub
11 am, Lemon Drag Brunch with Lemond and 2 special guests
The Vibrational Apothecary
Noon, traditional West African drumming classes with Amadou Kienou
2 pm, beginner drumming classes with Anna Melnikoff
SUNDAY JUNE 18
Distillery Jazz in Trinity Square
1 pm, Richard Underhill
4:30 pm, Queen Pepper
Distlllery buskers
Summer Busker series, noon to 8 pm.
Super Bargain
3 pm, Sunday Funday
The Aviary
Noon, Live music with The Lost Swing Trio
MONDAY JUNE 19
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
TUESDAY JUNE 20
Aviary
8 pm, Bird Brain trivia
Golden Pigeon
7 pm, jazz and $2 oysters
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
WEDNESDAY JUNE 21
The Vibrational Apothecary
7:30 pm, traditional West African drumming classes with Amadou Kienou
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, euchre night
The Golden Pigeon
8 pm, Bar trivia with Rachelle Lauzon
THURSDAY JUNE 22
The Aviary
8 pm, Battleship Bingo
FRIDAY JUNE 23
Distillery Jazz in Trinity Square
4 pm, Eliana Cuevas
Distlllery buskers
Summer Busker series, 4 to 8 pm.
SATURDAY JUNE 24
Distillery Jazz in Trinity Square
1 pm, Pip Squeak Orchestra with Gene Hardy
4:30 pm, Sean Bellaviti
Distlllery buskers
Summer Busker series, noon to 8 pm.
SUNDAY JUNE 25
Distillery Jazz in Trinity Square
1 pm, Linda Carone Lemon Twist
4:30 pm, Christopher Plock Band
Distlllery buskers
Summer Busker series, noon to 8 pm.
Super Bargain
3 pm, Sunday Funday
CONTACT INFO
Alice’s Place - 554 Parliament
Aviary - 484 Front East
The Vibrational Apothecary - 243 Gerrard E
Cranberries - 601 Parliament
Distillery - Mill Street and Parliament
Dominion - 500 Queen E - closed permanently
El Catrin - 18 Tank House Lane, Distillery
Golden Pigeon - 424 Parliament
House on Parliament - 454 Parliament
Mill Street Brew Pub - 21 Tank House Lane
NJ Lounge - 507 Parliament
Stout Irish Pub - 221 Carlton
Super Bargain - 441 Parliament
Wing House - 420 Parliament
