CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD
REVIEW
LOCAL NEWS
Another Festival
The annual Ganesh Chathurthi Festival has been celebrated from Saturday September 9 to Thursday September 21. Neighbours in the Gerrard and Spruce Street area have enjoyed the processions along their streets. It’s organized by the Toronto Sri Maha Ganapathy Temple (468 Gerrard E) and it commemorates the birth of the Hindu deity Ganesha. Clay idols of Ganesha are placed in homes and on public stages. Observances include chanting Vedic hymns and Hindu text, distributing sweets, and public processions. According to Wikipedia, Ganesha is the God of New Beginnings and the Remover of Obstacles as well as the god of wisdom and intelligence. (Photo: Hindustan Times).
Tour of Homes
Congrats to Daniel Bloch and his team for their success with the 2023 Tour. The tickets were sold out. There were eight homes on the list and they presented something for everyone - from modern to restored to contemporary. The committee wanted to attract new people interested in heritage and the Cabbagetown neighbourhood and they believe that this was achieved.
Ninety volunteers enjoyed the after-party at Stout Irish Pub. Thanks go as well to Weenen General Contracting and Harvey Kalles Real Estate for their support. (Photos: Tour of Homes and Eric Morse)
Graffiti at Stanley’s
A few days ago, Stanley’s Variety at Ontario and Gerrard received a refreshing coat of paint to cover the extensive graffiti on its wall, thanks to Stafford Homes. Unfortunately, that lasted less than two weeks and then it was tagged again. Rick Matthews writes, “I want to thank Riley, the painter who did the work the first time around. He came out and painted over the tags free of charge today. Riley is a film set painter who’s out of work because of the strike, but he still did this for free.”
Proposed Heritage Conservation District
The City of Toronto is hosting an open house to present ideas for the Cabbagetown Southwest HCD. The draft plan will be shown on display boards and staff members will be there to discuss the proposals. The views and discussion will “inform the preparation of the draft of the Plan for a Council decision in early 2024.” 6 to 8 pm, Thursday September 21, Central Neighbourhood House (349 Ontario).
Meet Councillor Chris Moise
Councillor Moise is hosting community open house meetings in neighbourhoods across his Ward. It’s a chance to meet him, discuss the issues in your specific neighbourhood and learn about his priorities. The schedule is as follows: Regent Park - 6 pm, Thursday September 28, Regent Park Community Centre (402 Shuter). St James Town, Cabbagetown, Winchester Park - 6 pm, Wednesday October 4, Wellesley Community Centre (495 Sherbourne). Corktown, West Donlands, Distillery - 6 pm, Thursday October 5, Cooper Koo YMCA (461 Cherry). The photo shows the crowd at his first meeting for Cabbagetown South, the Garden District and Moss Park - lots of community interest in his report. (Photo: Cabbagetown South Association).
Get ready for Thanksgiving
St Jamestown Steak & Chops (516 Parliament) is preparing now for your Thanksgiving dinner. Mark suggests turkey, ham and prime rib - order them now and he’ll have them ready when you want them.
Spotted on Sackville
John saw this little guy on Sackville last week. There have, in fact, been several reports of rabbit appearances over the summer. Perhaps we’re in an “eruption”. (Photo: John McLeod)
IN THE MEDIA
A new political party
Members of the Conservative Party who feel left out because of the policies of Pierre Poilievre have started to organize an alternative party. Cabbagetown’s Peter Kent, a former Cabinet minister in the Harper government, is one of the activists. Stephanie Levitz from the Toronto Star’s Ottawa bureau has written about these early organizational steps.
Shooting at Sherbourne and Dundas
Four people were shot and hospitalized in a shooting incident on Sherbourne at Dundas at approximately 2:45 am on Saturday September 16. The Toronto Star wrote about the incident on Monday September 18. At that time, there was no public information available about the suspects. (Photo: Spencer Colby/THE CANADIAN PRESS)
FOR YOUR BODY
Blair’s Run
The results and awards from the 2023 Blair’s Run are being tabulated. Several teams deserve special mentions. The Alley Cats (from Sackville Place, Woodstock Place and Millington) won the Fastest Team Trophy. The Wellesley Wanderers collected over $7,000. The fastest runner was Hashim Khan from the Cabbagetown Boxing Club.
Brenda’s step classes - rescheduled
Brenda’s normal schedule has changed - for next week only, her class will be held on Thursday September 28 at 9:15 am. Her weekly step classes at the Cabbagetown Youth Centre (2 Lancaster) are normally scheduled for every Wednesday morning at 9:15 am through to the end of October. The fee is $5/class.
Essentrics - rescheduled
Gina Dineen has cancelled her class for next Monday September 25. Her regular schedule resumes on Monday October 2. Her Essentrics classes usually happen every Monday morning at 9:30 am at the Cabbagetown Youth Centre (2 Lancaster). Please bring a yoga mat and blocks, a theraband and pillow for comfort on the floor. $5/class.
Parliament Street Fitness
PSF (488 Parliament) offers both personal fitness opportunities and weekly organized classes. Click on the image to enlarge it. Weekly updates are posted here every Monday.
COMING EVENTS
Book donation day
The Children’s Book Bank is holding a donation day from 11 am to 2:30 pm on Saturday September 23. Drop off your gently used books at the Warehouse (next to 334 Bleecker St). Board books for babies are a priority.
St James Town tour
Saturday September 23, 3 pm. Discover the history of one of the largest high-rise communities in Canada. The walking tour starts at Rekai Family Parkette, 625 Bloor E.
Waterfront Toronto’s viewing platform
Check out the work transforming the Port Lands. Normally, the platform isn’t open to the public but it will be from 3:30 to 7 pm on Wednesday September 27. Along with this opportunity, you’ll see photographs by Vid Ingelevics and Ryan Walker of the progression of the construction work. Free - no advance registration required. 222 Cherry Street.
Illuminarium at the Distillery
Take a journey to the moon and beyond. Kick up moon dust, see Saturn’s rings. Weave through the asteroid belt. The show continues to Tuesday October 31. Adults $35, children and seniors, $30. 28 Gristmill Lane, Distillery. For more info and tickets, click here.
Cacti and succulents
Friends of Allan Gardens are hosting a sale by local, small-production growers. Come to the Children’s Conservatory (160 Gerrard) on the west side of the park. 11 am to 4 pm, Sunday September 24.
Dried floral arrangements workshop
Green & Bloom are hosting this workshop during the Cabbagetown Farmers’ Market. Tuesday October 3, 2:30 to 4 pm, Simpson House (Riverdale Park West). You’ll learn how to make a sustainable dried floral arrangement and you’ll enjoy a hot mocha from ChocoSol Traders. All your supplies are provided. $65. Get your ticket online.
Cabbagetown Farmers’ Market
Open from 3 to 7 pm every Tuesday in Riverdale Park West (Sumach and Winchester). Next Tuesday, the Market will celebrate Ontario Garlic Week and the Cutting Veg will be there with its 24 varieties of garlic. Go to its Facebook page for more info.
The Underpass Park Farmers Market
Corktown’s Farmers’ Market (29 Lower River) is open every Thursday from 4:30 to 7:30 pm. Check out the Facebook page for the list of this week’s vendors.
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.
RESTAURANT NEWS
Oktoberfest Party
The Golden Pigeon (424 Parliament) is having an Oktoberfest Party on Saturday September 30 from 6 pm to 2 am. German specialty foods, beers from Left Field and Godspeed, live music and lots of prizes.
Oktoberfest at Mill Street
The Brew Pub (21 Tank House Lane) is hosting an Oktoberfest Party at 6 pm on Friday September 29. There’ll be live music, a special menu and Oktoberfest Lagers.
Mill Street Brewmaster’s Dinner
Mill Street Brewpub (21 Tank House Lane) celebrates Organic Week with a Brewmaster’s dinner paired with a beer flight. Thursday September 21, 7 pm, $35. For tickets, click here.
Cyril’s soup
Cyril’s making a popular Italian soup, Minestra - minestrone without pasta. You can add your favourite pasta if you wish. It’ll be full of seasonal veggies - tomatoey, herby and delicious! His juice is orange, red grapes and hibiscus. Soup - $3.50 per cup for 3 to 9 cups and $3 a cup for ten or more. Juice - $9.50 for two cups. Deliveries on Saturday September 23. Please email him to place your order.
WEEKLY CALENDAR - CLUBS & PUBS
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 21 TO SUNDAY OCTOBER 1
For contact info about these clubs and restaurants, see the list at the bottom of this page.
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 21
Mill Street Brewpub
7 pm, Brewmaster’s Dinner
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 22
Distlllery buskers
Summer Busker series, 4 to 8 pm.
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
Naija Jolloff Lounge
6pm, Karaoke
Super Bargain
10 pm, DJ Shamz
Wing House
9 pm, Karaoke
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 23
Mill Street Brewpub
11 am, Farmer’s Market
Distillery Jazz in Trinity Square
1 pm, Danny Marks Blues Band
Distlllery buskers
Summer Busker series, noon to 8 pm.
Naija Jolloff Lounge
6pm, Live music
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 24
Distillery Jazz in Trinity Square
1 pm, Red Hot Ramble
Distlllery buskers
Summer Busker series, noon to 8 pm.
Super Bargain
3 pm to 2 am, Sunday Funday with DJ Shamz
MONDAY SEPTEMBER 25
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
Super Bargain
7:30 pm, Trivia
TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 26
Golden Pigeon
4 pm, $2 oysters
7 pm, live jazz
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 27
The Vibrational Apothecary
7:30 pm, traditional West African drumming classes with Amadou Kienou
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, euchre night
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 28
No announcements available
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 29
Distlllery buskers
Summer Busker series, 4 to 8 pm.
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
Mill Street Brewpub
6 pm, Oktoberfest Party
Naija Jolloff Lounge
6pm, Karaoke
Super Bargain
10 pm, DJ Shamz
Wing House
9 pm, Karaoke
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 30
Golden Pigeon
6 pm, OktoberfestParty
Distillery Jazz in Trinity Square
11 am, Chik’n & Waffles
Distlllery buskers
Summer Busker series, noon to 8 pm.
Naija Jolloff Lounge
6pm, Live music
SUNDAY OCTOBER 1
Distillery Jazz in Trinity Square
11 am, Kevin Ray Clark All-Stars
Distlllery buskers
Summer Busker series, noon to 8 pm.
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
