August 17

 CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD 

REVIEW

LOCAL NEWS

BIA’s official plan

For three years, the Cabbagetown BIA has been studying its neighbourhood, talking to residents and businesses and developing a strategy for future growth.  The report from The Planning Partnership has now been officially approved by the Cabbagetown BIA Board.  Matthew Mohan, the BIA’s executive director, says “We appreciate the care and interest that the community has taken over the years to be involved and share their priorities…This document will certainly help guide the BIA's decisions over the coming years.”  The study is available online - click here to download it.

Condo at 505 - 509 Parliament

The developer held a virtual meeting with the residents from Broadcast Lane last week but it was, apparently, unsatisfactory.  No new information was provided and the developer tried, simply, to repeat the info from the first consultation.  The only commitment from the developer was a comment to review several unspecified issues. Gilles Huot is upset because this meeting was so focused on the Broadcast Lane residents - there are no plans to widen the participation to other people who are affected or worried about the proposal.  

Tents in Allan Gardens

Councillor Chris Moise has posted a useful chart showing the number of tents and occupants in the park since January 12.  His latest entry for August 11 lists 65 tents and 57 occupants, down from highs of 89 tents on June 15 and 64 occupants on July 28.

Clean water at the beach

There’s lifeguard supervision at Cherry Beach (at the foot of Cherry Street) from 10:30 am to 7 pm daily. The City’s system informs swimmers daily about water quality. “Conditions are based on E.Coli counts in beach water samples taken over the past 24 hours.” On August 15, for example, the E.Coli count at Cherry Beach was 14 per 100 ml - the standard is 100 per 100 ml. Cherry Beach is a blue flag beach because it receives annual certification for its high standards of water quality. (Photo: Tanya Mok, blogTO)

Naming two local lanes

Councillor Chris Moise has announced that the City is renaming two lanes in Corktown.  Henry Box Brown Lane runs parallel to the west side of Bright Street. He was an escaped slave who reached Toronto. The lane runs behind his home at 42 Bright Street.  North Star Lane runs parallel to the south side of Queen between St Paul and Bright.  It’s named in honour of the star that’s famously guided people fleeing slavery and oppression. (Photo: 38 to 44 Bright Street rear, City of Toronto Archives)

Congrats Des

Des Ryan has written another of his readable mysteries.  The blurb on the book’s back cover says, “When Mary-Margaret O'Shea, a woman of a certain age with mildly Machiavellian tendencies, discovers a homicide scene and meets an unimpressive lead investigator, she realizes that she has no choice but to solve the crime herself…she enlists Arthur, her eccentric housekeeper, to help her find the killer.”  Happily, this is the first of five books that he’s contracted to write for Level Best Books.  Click here to go to Amazon’s pre-order site.

Sidewalk artwork

Melika Saeeda was commissioned by the Cabbagetown BIA to create these sidewalk murals.  She did ten designs scattered through the neighbourhood.  She’s handled projects across the GTA as well as her own paintings.  You can see more of her charming work on Instagram.

Bike lane artwork

City workers appeared late at night to paint bike lanes and intersections on local streets.  Although they may seem excessive, these markings might remind people to stop when required at each intersection - and that would be a big improvement. (Photo: Edvard Ryder) 

Suggestions for our parks

The City of Toronto has called for more public input about park trees and facilities.  We have two suggestions.  Peter has called 311 to ask for tree remedial service for an elm at the southwest entrance to Wellesley Park suffering from bacterial wetwood or slime flux. No answer yet.  Carole complains that the porta-potty and garbage cans in Riverdale Park East are too close to the wading pool and a nearby bench.  The smell and the general setup seem unhygienic to her. (Photo: Elm tree, Peter Kent)

Michael White

Michael passed away earlier in August.  Our sympathies go out to his longtime partner, Elsie Petch and to Shan White and his children and grandchildren.  He had a remarkable and effective career as an activist working to preserve the Don Valley. In Cabbagetown, he was a favourite teacher at his tai chi classes indoors and in the park.  His obituary appeared in the Toronto Star.

OUR FARMERS’ MARKETS

Dixon Hall’s Farmers’ Market

Our Fair Share market uses a PWYC system. It’s affordable and equitable.  Minimum prices are $5 and maximum are $20.  If you wish, you can contribute more - all proceeds go to the cost of food.  You’ll find fresh seasonal produce as well as imported staples.  It happens every two weeks - Thursdays August 17 and August 31.  Outdoors at 190 Carlton and when there’s bad weather, indoors at 188 Carlton.

Cabbagetown Farmers’ Market  

Open from 3 to 7 pm every Tuesday in Riverdale Park West (Sumach and Winchester). Market organizers are very happy with attendance this year.  So far, about 1,100 people have come each week - up from approximately 600 last year. 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. Fresh peaches and blueberries, garlic, corn and more seasonal goodies.  Check out the Facebook page for the list of this week’s vendors.

SAVE THESE DATES - CABBAGETOWN FESTIVAL

Cabbagetown Short Film Festival

Start the Festival weekend at the 32nd edition of the Cabbagetown Short Film Festival.  You have two choices - the in-person Gala on Wednesday September 6 at the Winchester Street Theatre (80 Winchester) or the Virtual Festival running online from September 7 to 10.  Find out about the films and get your tickets here - $15. 

Art and Craft Show

The big art show in Riverdale Park West (Sumach and Winchester) happens from Friday September 8 to Sunday September 10. 165 artists were selected by the Show’s jury. There’ll also be food vendors and live music.

Cabbagetown Festival

The street fun starts at 11 am on Saturday September 9 and continues through Sunday September 10.  There’ll be outdoor patios, live music, artisan vendors and a kids’ zone.  Keep informed at the Festival website.

Blair’s Run

Cabbagetown’s mini-marathon returns and you have two ways to enjoy it.  You can enter the 2km race as a runner and team member on Sunday September 10 at 8 am.  Be sure to join a street team or form your own!  And you can also create your own event as part of the Freestyle  Option - any time between September 1 to 17.  Go to the website for more info and registration.  

CYC Boxing Club

The Boxing Club (upstairs, 2 Lancaster) is back at The Festival this year.  It’s hosting a boxing demonstration and an open house on Saturday, September 9 from 1 to 3 pm.  Drop in and find out about this marvellous place.

IN THE MEDIA

A warm community send-off

Sydney Payne and the other members of Canada’s National Rowing Team were given a heartfelt launch as they left for the World Rowing Championships to be held in Belgrade, Serbia from September 3 to 10.  It’s their first opportunity to qualify for the Paris Olympics in 2024.  Rowing Canada says, “Among the crews, the women’s eight stands out, following their impressive silver medal finish at World Cup III in Lucerne, Switzerland in early July.” Click here for the full article from the Cowichan Valley Citizen. (Photo: Sarah Simpson, Citizen)

COMING EVENTS

Marci Ien’s Community BBQ

Meet Marci, enjoy games, music and henna.  Hot dogs and burgers from the bbq - first come, first served.  Friday August 18, 2 to 4 pm, The Big Park in Regent Park (620 Dundas E).  

Roaming performers

Every Thursday through Sunday to September 8, roaming performers will wander along Parliament Street to entertain shoppers and patio dwellers. Drew Chale starts the week on Thursday from 6 to 8 pm.  Joseph Pilonen performs on Friday from 6 to 9 pm. Ethan Young on Saturday from 11 am to 3 pm and Benny Sanders on Sunday from 11 am to 1 pm. (Photo of Joseph Pilonen, Cabbagetown BIA)

Pancakes in the Park

The second breakfast event of the season with pancakes, halal chicken sausages and vegan sausages. Saturday August 19 from 10 am to noon at the Bake Oven in The Big Park (620 Dundas E). If it rains, go to the Regent Park Community Centre (402 Shuter).

Sunday in the Park

Fun for the whole family with halal food, vegetarian and kosher bbq, live music and cultural bazaar.    In the Big Park (620 Dundas E).  Sunday August 20, noon to 7 pm.  

Storytelling in Allan Gardens

The Children’s Book Bank holds regular storytelling days in the park.  The next one happens on Saturday August 19 at 11 am.  Free books for every child. Meet in the playground on the west side of the park. (Jarvis and Carlton).

Grill & Chill BBQ Party

The Sumach (146 Sumach) invites you to a bbq gathering for older adults with fun and games and a private tour of The Sumach.  Monday August 21, 1:30 pm.  Please RSVP here.

My Song Comes from the South

La Gloria Mexican Coffee (453 Parliament) is hosting a Mexican art exhibition featuring Marcio Lopez throughout August.  “Embark on a journey into the mesmerizing world of fantasy, where everyday life is vividly painted through Marcio Lopez’s artistic lens. Experience the magic of his colourful creations and immerse yourself in a realm of wonder!"

English-Spanish Club

La Gloria Mexican Coffee (453 Parliament) is hosting this Club to help participants learn each language.  The next meeting happens on Tuesday August 22 in the shop from 5:30 to 7:30 pm.  It’s informal, friendly and effective.  You’ll meet on Tuesdays every two weeks.  $15 includes a waffle and coffee.  

Tour of Homes

The Tour is back this year on Sunday September 17 with nine homes open for your visit from noon to 4 pm.  You can buy your tickets at ten select vendors (see the website) or you can go online.  A reminder -  volunteers are needed to assist during the event, usually 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.  To join as a volunteer, send an email to the Cabbagetown Preservation Association.

Book donation day

The Children’s Book Bank is holding a donation day on Saturday August 26 from 11 am to 2:30 pm.  Please bring new and gently used books for children and teens.  Deliveries are received at the Warehouse beside 334 Bleecker.  

Outdoor picture show

The outdoor movie season at Corktown Common has ended.  However, three screenings were cancelled because of rain so the organizers have launched an encore event at Evergreen Brick Works (550 Bayview).  On Tuesday August 29, it’s The Matrix.  On Wednesday August 30, Velvet Gold Mine.  On Thursday August 31, The Truman Show. As always, outstanding short films will be shown before the main event.  In a covered pavilion - the films happen rain or shine.  Bring your own chair.  Free - pwyc.  

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. 

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. Weekly updates are posted here every Monday. This week’s schedule includes a new HIIT session on Saturday at 9:15 am and there’s a new time on Saturday at 10:15 am for indoor cycling.

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 

Congrats to The Aviary

On Monday August 21, celebrate The Aviary’s 5th birthday and the 4th anniversary of Longslice Brewery’s Bricks-and-Mortar.  Fresh beer and cakes.  484 Front.

Cyril’s soup

Cyril’s next soup is exactly the opposite to the kind of food that we expect at the CNE.  Nothing fried, nothing too sweet, nothing fried and sweet.  Instead it’s a very healthy carrot, cashew and turmeric soup. Just those simple, delicious ingredients -  3 to 9 cups at $3.50/each and 10 or more at $3/each. His juice is orange, peach and mango - $9.50/two cups.  For deliveries on Saturday August 26.  Send him an email with your order.

WEEKLY CALENDAR - CLUBS & PUBS

THURSDAY AUGUST 17 TO SUNDAY AUGUST 27

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

THURSDAY AUGUST 17

Cabbagetown Roaming Performers

6 to 8 pm, Drew Chale

FRIDAY AUGUST 18

Cabbagetown Roaming Performers 

4:30 pm, Joseph Pilonen

Distillery Jazz in Trinity Square

4:30 pm, Elizabeth Shepherd

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 AUGUST 19

Cabbagetown Roaming Performers 

11 am to 3 pm, Ethan Young

Distillery Jazz in Trinity Square

1 pm, Buchbinder Jazz Circus

4:30 pm, Danny Marks

Distlllery buskers

Summer Busker series, noon to 8 pm.

SUNDAY AUGUST 20

Cabbagetown Roaming Performers 

11 am to 1 pm, Benny Sanders

Distillery Jazz in Trinity Square

1 pm, Alex Pangman

4:30 pm, Ben Hardy & The Ornamentals

Distlllery buskers

Summer Busker series, noon to 8 pm.

Distillery

9 am, Yoga in Trinity Square

La Gloria Mexican Coffee

My Song Comes from the South - art exhibition featuring Marcio Lopez

Super Bargain

3 pm to 2 am, Sunday Funday

The Aviary

Noon, Market brews with the Community Market

MONDAY AUGUST 21

Stout Irish Pub

7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia

TUESDAY AUGUST 22

Golden Pigeon

4 pm, $2 oysters

7 pm, live jazz

Stout Irish Pub

7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 23

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 24

Cabbagetown Roaming Performers 

6 to 8 pm, Ethan Young

FRIDAY AUGUST 25

Cabbagetown Roaming Performers 

4: 30 pm, Joseph Pilonen

Distillery Jazz in Trinity Square

4:30 pm, Queen Pepper

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 AUGUST 26

Cabbagetown Roaming Performers 

11 am to 1 pm, David Caten

Distillery Jazz in Trinity Square

1 pm, Irene Torres

4:30 pm, Canefire

Distlllery buskers

Summer Busker series, noon to 8 pm.

SUNDAY AUGUST 27

Cabbagetown Roaming Performers 

11 am to 1 pm, Levi Collins

Distillery Jazz in Trinity Square

1 pm, Laura Hubert

4:30 pm, Sean Bellaviti Latin Jazz

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

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

La Gloria Mexican Coffee - 453 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