July 27

CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD 

REVIEW

LOCAL NEWS

Mohamed Ahmed

Police have identified the victim of Tuesday’s shooting as 36-year-old Mohamed Ahmed.  No other personal details have been released.  He was sitting in a car in a parking lot near Shuter and Sherbourne at about 12:15 pm and suffering from gunshot wounds.  He died before being taken to a hospital.  Anyone who has information is asked to call (416) 808-7400 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at (416) 222-TIPS (8477) or go to the website.

Jazz and Sydney

Jazz Shukla will race in the 800 metres over this weekend at the 2023 Canadian Track and Field Championships in Langley, BC. She’s in the qualifying race on Thursday at 5 pm (Pacific time), then the semi-final at 7 pm (Pacific time) on Friday and the final at 8 pm (Pacific time) on Saturday.  A win here will earn her a spot at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest in late August. (Photo: Kevin Morris)

Sydney Payne’s crew scored a silver medal in the women’s eight class at the 2023 World Rowing Cup III on July 9 in Lucerne.  They came second to the British boat, only .75 hundredths of a second behind.  (Photo: Rowing Canada)

 214 - 230 Sherbourne

The Cabbagetown South Residents Association has written to Mayor Olivia Chow to endorse the application to build a 47-storey condo on this site.  Jordan Allison - the interim president of the association - says that the project will bring diversified housing to this corner and will provide space for the community to enrich the area’s cultural fabric.  Allison compliments the building, “The design by Canadian Architect Hariri Pontarini demonstrates a profound appreciation for the built heritage attributes of the Garden District and neighbouring Cabbagetown community and sets a high bar for future development along the Dundas Street East and Sherbourne Street corridors.” He has asked for a follow-up meeting with City staff. (Photo: KingSett Capital)

230Fightback

This group has been opposing the same condo for several weeks - at City Hall, in the neighbourhood and at King Sett Capital’s annual meeting.  There’s an online petition that explains their views in detail.  To date, 848 people have signed.

Allan Gardens update

Councillor Chris Moise issued a report on July 21 about the status of tent encampments in the park.  Over the past month, the number of people living in the tents has remained stable at 60 individuals. He has secured 50 extra shelter beds for the Allan Gardens residents but some continue to avoid City outreach staff and to refuse these options.  123 people have been referred into the shelter system and 34 have permanent housing.  Christina Robinson at the Allan Gardens Neighbourhood Group says that there are about 88 tents there and that the police are now removing new tents but leaving the existing sites alone.   Check Mr Moise’s posts online for more details. (Photo: Chris Moise)

Needles in the park

Last week, the story about Cathy’s discovery of a needle on the grass in Riverdale Park West also told about the injury she suffered from it.  This prompted Carol Lee to remind us that Dixon Hall is part of the Harm Reduction Community Care Project.  Dixon Hall handles needle problems in the Cabbagetown area.  She urges us to avoid picking up needles and to contact her directly instead at (647) 678-3295 or by email. 

Cabbagetown Cycling Connections

The City of Toronto has distributed a flyer to local homes about the proposed bike lanes on our streets. The work will happen at some time during August.  Notices with info about parking, traffic, cycling and City services during this work period are available online.

Reactions to the bike lanes

Local resident Rick Walker sent the City an email that reflects widespread local opinion - “For a city that is broke, it is irresponsible for you to be spending tax dollars to unnecessarily enforce bike lanes ‘and other safety improvements’ for cyclists who already have unlimited access to the streets, roads, lanes and sidewalks in the Cabbagetown neighborhood.  How many fatalities, injuries or property damage incidents have been reported in the designated area?  I believe this is a solution in search of a problem.”

STEPS public art survey

STEPS is working with the Cabbagetown BIA to gauge accessibility issues and to prepare a public art project.  The organization has put together a survey and would appreciate our help completing it. 

Wildlife habitats on the waterfront

The new construction along the Port Lands waterfront includes wildlife coves.  Small fish found in these waters are new born hatchlings - evidence that this habitat is already working. Click here for details. (Artist’s image: Waterfront Toronto)

Free harbour boat tours

Waterfront Toronto is again organizing free boat tours around Toronto harbour.  You’ll have a chance to see the important landmarks of Waterfront development.  Each tour is one hour.  The tours will take place at 11:15 am and 12:15 pm every Saturday in August.  Obviously, they fill up quickly.  You’ll need a ticket - get one for each individual in your family or group.  

More tree damage

The heavy rain on Thursday July 20 soaked and weakened a huge tree branch in an emerald ash in Wellesley Park.  It collapsed during the night and then snapped off in the afternoon.  Various community groups and the City of Toronto have urged us to diversify our trees and to watch our older ones carefully.  Cabbagetown has a lot of beautiful older trees but they can be hazardous.  (Photo:  thanks to Peter Kent for the tip and the photo.)

Reminder - a call for volunteers

The Tour of Homes needs volunteers to assist during the event.  It takes place on Sunday September 17 and volunteers usually serve from 11:30 am to 4 pm.  It’s a popular community event and you’ll enjoy meeting your friends and helping out the visitors.  Send an email to the Cabbagetown Preservation Association.

 

OUR FARMERS’ MARKETS

Cabbagetown Farmers’ Market  

Open from 3 to 7 pm every Tuesday in Riverdale Park West (Sumach and Winchester). Stop by the donation table and make a gift for Mothers of Peace.  It’s a food drive for families in Regent Park.  

Here's the list of vendors for next Tuesday, August 1. Tasso is back with their croissants and pastries. (Photo:  Aunt Beth makes yummy baked goods with a hint of whiskey.)

The Underpass Park Farmers Market 

Corktown’s Farmers’ Market (29 Lower River) is open every Thursday from 4:30 to 7:30 pm. Lots of fresh produce and fruit.  The face painter is back.  Check out the Facebook page for the list of this week’s vendors.

CABBAGETOWN FESTIVAL TEMPTING TIDBITS

 Cabbagetown Art and Craft Show

The big art show in Riverdale Park is a major part of the Festival weekend.  This year, they’ve signed up 165 artists and artisans.  Volunteers are needed from Thursday September 7 (from 4 to 7:30 pm) to help with set-ups and for 4-hour shifts on Friday September 8 to Sunday September 10 (usually 9 am to 1 pm and 1 pm to 5 pm).  Virginia FitzGerald notes that you’ll be “answering questions, assisting the artists when they need a break etc. It’s fun and interesting work!” Contact her by email if you’re interested.

IN THE MEDIA

Jazz Shukla

Jazz is racing in the 2023 Canadian Track & Field Championships over the coming weekend.  A win here will earn her a spot at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest in late August.  Marley Dickinson has written a summary of her recent rise as a middle distance runner in Canadian Running News. (Photo: Canadian Running News)

COMING EVENTS

Outdoor picture show in Corktown Common

Every Thursday evening at sundown until August 10.  On July 27, it’s Amelie and next week, it’s The Truman Show.  Each evening, the feature will be paired with excellent Canadian shorts. Treats and eats start at 7 pm and the films start at sundown.  Free.  Corktown Common (Bayview and Mill, 155 Bayview).  

Sounds like a park

Friends of Allan Garden are sponsoring free outdoor concerts in the west side of the park (Jarvis and Carlton) from 5:30 to 8 pm. On Thursday July 27,  Thyron Lee Whyte & Band are performing jazz standards, RnB and pop.  Bring your own blanket or chair.

Pancakes in the Park

Friends of Regent Park are hosting their first-ever breakfast.  There’ll be pancakes (including gluten-free and vegan) with halal chicken sausages or vegan sausages and beverages from Cafe ZuZu and Zero Cocktail Bar.  Music by Steelpan with Suzette.  Stories, face painting and dancing.  10 am to noon, Saturday July 29, at the Bake Oven in the Big park (Sumach and Dundas).  

Edible garden adventures

Friends of Allan Gardens have put together an adventure in sight, smell, taste, touch and sound in the Children’s Conservatory at Allan Gardens (Jarvis and Carlton).  Sunday July 30, 10:30 am to 12:30 pm.  Children of all ages are welcome - parental supervision please.  This is a PWYC event with a suggested $5 donation. 

Taste of Regent Park

Artisans, crafts, food vendors, caterers and entertainers all come together in the Big Park (Sumach and Dundas) in Regent Park every Wednesday to early September. The marketplace starts at 5 pm and the community meal is served at 6 pm. 

Roaming performers

Every Thursday through Sunday to September 8, roaming performers will wander along Parliament Street to entertain shoppers and patio dwellers.  It starts this week with Jackson Peterson on Thursday from 6 to 8 pm.  Levi Collins performs on Friday from 6 to 9 pm. Metal Health on Saturday from 11 am to 3 pm and Ethan Young on Sunday from 11 am to 1 pm. 

Cultural bazaar

Live music, raffles, henna, multicultural food, artisanal products, homemade clothing and lots more.  Every Friday afternoon to October 13, 4 to 9 pm.  660 Dundas E.

FOR YOUR BODY

Parliament Street Fitness

PSF (488 Parliament) offers both personal fitness opportunities and weekly organized classes.  Their class schedules for the week of July 23 are listed here, fresh from their blackboard in the gym. Weekly 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.  

Essentrics stretch & strength

Gina Dineen’s weekly Essentrics class will be a Zoom experience over the summer, every Tuesday and Thursday.  To receive class updates, email Gina.

RESTAURANT NEWS 

Caribana release party

Longslice Brewery at The Aviary (484 Front E) is celebrating Caribana weekend with a new beer. It’s a collaboration with Black Calder.  Caribbean food and a live DJ.  Friday August 4, 6 pm.  

Cyril’s soup

Cyril’s making another exotic juice, orange, mango and passion fruit - sweet and delicious. $9.50/two cups.  His soup is a summer classic - corn and jalapeño chowder with carrots, potatoes and red peppers. He’ll use half and half unless you specify coconut milk.  3 to 9 cups at $3.50/each and 10 or more at $3/each.  For deliveries on Saturday July 29.  Send him an email with your order.

WEEKLY CALENDAR - CLUBS & PUBS

THURSDAY JULY 27 TO SUNDAY AUGUST 6

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

THURSDAY JULY 27

Cabbagetown Roaming Performers

6 to 8 pm, Jackson Peterson

FRIDAY JULY 28

Cabbagetown Roaming Performers 

6 pm to 9 pm, Levi Collins

Distlllery buskers

Summer Busker series, 4 to 8 pm.

Alice’s Place

9 pm, Karaoke 

Super Bargain

10 pm, DJ Shamz

Wing House

9 pm, Karaoke

SATURDAY JULY 29

Cabbagetown Roaming Performers 

11 am to 3 pm, David Caten (Metal Health)

Distillery Jazz in Trinity Square

1 to 4 pm, Ori Dagan

4:30 pm, Rider Raiders

Distlllery buskers

Summer Busker series, noon to 8 pm.

SUNDAY JULY 30

Cabbagetown Roaming Performers 

11 am to 1 pm, Ethan Young

Distillery Jazz in Trinity Square

1 pm, Alexis Baro Latin Jazz

4:30 pm, JB & TO’STA RICO

Distlllery buskers

Summer Busker series, noon to 8 pm.

Distillery

9 am, Yoga in Trinity Square

Super Bargain

3 pm to 2 am, Sunday Funday with DJ Shamz

MONDAY JULY 31

Stout Irish Pub

7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia

TUESDAY AUGUST 1

Golden Pigeon

4 pm, $2 oysters

7 pm, live jazz

Stout Irish Pub

7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 2

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 AUGUST 3

Cabbagetown Roaming Performers 

TBA

FRIDAY AUGUST 4

Cabbagetown Roaming Performers 

TBA

Distillery Jazz in Trinity Square

4:30 pm, Richard Underhill Quartet

Distlllery buskers

Summer Busker series, 4 to 8 pm.

Alice’s Place

9 pm, Karaoke 

The Aviary

6 pm, Sip Sip Guava Mango Pale Ale

Super Bargain

10 pm, DJ Shamz

Wing House

9 pm, Karaoke

SATURDAY AUGUST 5

Cabbagetown Roaming Performers 

11 am to 1 pm, TBA

Distillery Jazz in Trinity Square

1 pm, Solidaridad

4:30 pm, Kenny Kirkwood

Distlllery buskers

Summer Busker series, noon to 8 pm.

SUNDAY AUGUST 6

Cabbagetown Roaming Performers 

11 am to 1 pm, TBA

Distillery Jazz in Trinity Square

1 pm, Steel Island Drums

4:30 pm, Trash Panda

Distlllery buskers

Summer Busker series, noon to 8 pm.

Distillery

9 am, Yoga in Trinity Square

Super Bargain

3 pm to 2 am, 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

Keating Channel - 2 Villiers St

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