August 22

 CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD 

REVIEW

LOCAL NEWS

Fires in the Okanagan

Sally O’Grady and John Hill moved from Cabbagetown to Kelowna in late July, 2021.  Their home in the Lake Country has been threatened by the huge fire north of the city.  John has written about the difficult and frequently harrowing experiences that each of them had when the evacuation order was issued.  “It’s a challenging time. Since relocating to Kelowna, I have been working with Parks Canada Fire Management in my mental health counselling capacity. I was on my third deployment to Fort Smith, NWT to support wildfire and evacuation efforts when the fire in West Kelowna turned into an out of control blaze. Sally evacuated last Friday. Originally she was going to fly back to Toronto on Friday morning but as she was checking in, the airport shut down. Sal first evacuated to Vernon and then Revelstoke. I returned early from Fort Smith, but was unable to fly to Kelowna. The closest I could get was Calgary. Sal is presently driving from Revelstoke to Calgary. There were no rental cars for me to go to her. Our home is in an active fire area. We are hoping for the best.” The photo shows the fire a few kilometres away from their home.

Cheryl Midgley lives in Summerland, 40 km south of Kelowna on the other side of the lake. “Yes, all ok here in Summerland … Smoke is bad but thankfully no fires. I had close friends that had to evacuate their home in West Kelowna and have been staying here. They just got back in their house today and everyone is fine in their neighbourhood thanks to the skill and dedication of the amazing firefighters working day and night … Missing my Cabbagetown neighbourhood and friends very much.”  (Photos: Toronto Life. Fire scene - Sally O’Grady & John Hill.)

Congrats Jazz

Jazz Shukla is racing in the Women’s 800 metres at the World Athletic Championships in Budapest.  On Wednesday, she ran in her qualifying heats.  Athletics Canada reported, “In a very close Heat 2 of the W 800m, Jazz Shukla sets a new Personal Best - 2:00.30.” She’s earned a spot in the semi-finals on Friday.  The finals will be run on Sunday.  You can watch it streamed live on CBC Gem.

Tents in Allan Gardens

Councillor Chris Moise latest report about the tents in Allan Gardens gives small signs for hope.  52 people are living in the park - 23 have housing plans and 24 do not have any plans.  5 decline all housing and shelter supports.  21 encampments have been removed since July 22.  

Renaming Dundas Street

Three former mayors - Art Eggleton, John Sewell and David Crombie - have asked for a halt to the campaign to rename Dundas.  People who want to change the street name say that Dundas intervened to defeat legislation that would immediately have shut down slavery in the British Empire.  On the other hand, the three former mayors point to his record as an abolitionist and a pragmatist whose amendment to the anti-slavery legislation kept the issue alive. Mayor Chow’s spokesperson said that she has publicly supported City Council decision to rename the street.

Park Snacks is for sale

The popular little cafe across from Riverdale Park West is for sale. The owners are asking almost $3 million.  The building contains two apartments and Park Snacks.  Check out the real estate listing for more info. 

Cabbagetown Community Arts Centre

The Fall semester at CCAC (422 Parliament) is opening on Monday September 11.  In-person and online lessons are available in violin, piano, guitar, ukulele, drums, pop bands and musical theatre.  Plus voice and art and crafts. Info for programs, schedules and registration is all online.

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 takes place every two weeks - the next one happens on Thursday 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). On Tuesday August 29, Tasso will be back and Mellona Artisanal Products will be back with their honey.  More info at the Market's Facebook page.

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 merch

Grab a tee shirt (in black or green), a kid’s tee in pink or a baby’s onesie.  Take it all home in a nifty Cabbagetown tote.  You can shop online or drop in to The Great Mallard (503 Parliament) for in-person browsing. 

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.  Your gala ticket will also provide access to the online version. Find out about the films and get your tickets here - $15. 

Art and Craft Show

Organizers for the art show in Riverdale Park West (Sumach and Winchester) have listed the artists who will appear along with a map showing their locations.  Browse by name and by category.  If you have a favourite or artists whose work you’ve seen and admired, use this map to find them easily.  The show goes on from Friday September 8 to Sunday September 10.

Cabbagetown Festival

The Cabbagetown BIA has sent out a call for volunteers to participate in the Parliament Street activities.  High school students can use the time toward their community service requirements.  The 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.   

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 - 13 teams have already registered and started to donate!  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  with 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 food desert in Moss Park

The Shoppers Drug Mart at Queen and Parliament will close in September to make way for a 27-storey condo.  A new one is scheduled for Sherbourne and Queen in the Fall but without the grocery section.  No Frills on Front Street will also close, perhaps some time next year.  Laura Hull has written in The Bridge about the impact of these changes on the Moss Park neighbourhood. (Photo: The Bridge)

COMING EVENTS

Cafe Caribbean

Celebrate Caribbean culture with food vendors, live music and entertainment. 11 am to 3 pm, Saturday August 26, Moss Park Market (260 Queen E).  Mehetta Foods will serve up Jamaican pepper shrimp, jerk chicken and rice and peas.  Khairah’s Kitchen will serve Bajan macaroni pie, sweet bread and pineapple pepper sauce.  Drop by Creative Expressions for trinkets and jewellery.  At 11:15, Emilie R-j Performance makes an appearance - she’s a Haitian folk dancer, storyteller and drummer.  At noon, DJ Illegal Soul.  From 1:30 to 3:30, Jamaican chef Nicholas Douglas will share tips and tasty bites of Jamaican patties. 

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.  

Injustice

There’ll be a workshop reading of Tristan Hernandez’ play, “Injustice” at the Winchester Street Theatre (80 Winchester).  7:30 pm, Friday September 1 and 2 pm and 7:30 pm, Saturday September 2.  “It’s a neo-noir crime thriller that tackles corruption and the blurry ethics that ensue when trying to do things by the book. In a Sin City-esque world, crime has a stranglehold over the police leaving its citizens no hope for a just outcome, and vengeance as their only recourse.” Tickets are $20, available online.

Storytelling in Allan Gardens

The Children’s Book Bank holds regular storytelling days in the park.  The next one happens on Saturday September 2 at 11 am.  Free books for every child. Meet in the playground on the west side of the park. (Jarvis and Carlton).

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 September 5 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.  

Hungry for love

The Friends of Allan Gardens are bringing back Toronto’s only carnivorous plant market.  A full list of vendors will be announced soon.  Save the date - Saturday September 9, 11 am to 4 pm in the Children’s Conservatory (160 Gerrard E).  

Tour of Homes

A reminder -  volunteers are needed to assist during the Tour.  Sunday September 17 from noon 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.   You can buy your tickets at ten select vendors (see the website) or you can go online.  

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. 

IN OUR SHOPS

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.

The Great Mallard

The Mallard is showing its goodies at the CNE.  According to Jon, it’s a very busy place.  They’re located at Booth 2641 in the Enercare Centre.

RESTAURANT NEWS 

Winemaker’s Dinner at F’Amelia

F’Amelia (12 Amelia) presents a five course dinner and wine pairings - and a conversation with Alessandro from Tenuta Aquilaia.  The menu includes Chef’s specialty salumi with Tenuta Aquilaia Vermentino, burrata with Tenuta Aquilaia Chardonanay, corn risotto with Tenuta Aquilaia Ciliegiolo, lamb loin with Tenuta Aquilaia Fosso Sanguinaio, and for dessert, lemon tart or budino.  Tuesday September 5.  $100.  Reserve your spot now.

Momo Ghar

Get a great Momo Ghar souvenir tee shirt with a recipe on the back. Drop in to the restaurant (568 Parliament). Now open 7 days a week - Sunday to Wednesday, noon to 10 pm and Thursday, Friday and Saturday from noon to 11 pm. Try some butter chicken, jhol or tandoori momos or some crispy pork bao and Tibetan sausage.  Yummy stuff. 568 Parliament. 

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 24 TO SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 3

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

THURSDAY AUGUST 24

Cabbagetown Roaming Performers

6 to 8 pm, Ethan Young

FRIDAY AUGUST 25

Cabbagetown Roaming Performers 

4:30 pm, Joseph Piilonen

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 3 pm, David Caten

Distillery Jazz in Trinity Square

1 pm, Kenny Kirkwood Quartet

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

La Gloria Mexican Coffee

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

Super Bargain

3 pm to 2 am, Sunday Funday and DJ Shamz

MONDAY AUGUST 28

Stout Irish Pub

7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia

TUESDAY AUGUST 29

Golden Pigeon

4 pm, $2 oysters

7 pm, live jazz

Stout Irish Pub

7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 30

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 31

Cabbagetown Roaming Performers 

6 to 8 pm, To be announced

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 1

Cabbagetown Roaming Performers 

4: 30 pm, To be announced

Distillery Jazz in Trinity Square

4:30 pm, Alexis Baro Large Latin Jazz Band

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 SEPTEMBER 2

Cabbagetown Roaming Performers 

11 am to 1 pm, To be announced

Distillery Jazz in Trinity Square

1 pm, Alex Pangman

4:30 pm, Sparkjiver

Distlllery buskers

Summer Busker series, noon to 8 pm.

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 3

Cabbagetown Roaming Performers 

11 am to 1 pm, To be announced

Distillery Jazz in Trinity Square

1 pm, Lady Son

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

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