CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD
REVIEW
A PERSONAL VIEW
Dundas and Sherbourne
The violent activity on Sherbourne just north of Dundas on September 16 has sparked renewed concerns about the area. This week at mid-day, I bicycled past the corner and took a couple of photos. It’s just the same as it was last year and two years ago - people collapsed on doorsteps, large groups gathered on the sidewalk and garbage strewn everywhere. It appears that the various agencies working in the area, especially those in All Saints Church, continue with their habit of helping people inside their doors but ignoring the impact of the people outside.
LOCAL NEWS
The condo proposal for 505 - 509 Parliament
As the proposal for this project wends in way through the City’s planning department, there is an effort underway to designate the site under the Ontario Heritage Act. City Council must state its intention to designate the site. This must happen at Council’s meeting on October 11 to 13 so that deadlines can be met before October 31. In March 2023, the owner submitted an application to build a ten-storey condo here - and the City of Toronto listed the site on its Heritage Register. (Photo: City of Toronto Archives, circa 1937).
Tents in Allan Gardens
Councillor Chris Moise has maintained his Dashboard showing the statistics about the tents in Allan Gardens. His info from September 22 shows that there are 38 people staying in the park (down from the peak of 89 in mid-June). 24 people have housing plans, 9 have been in touch with City staff but have no plans and 5 do not want to move. There are also 38 structures - 12 have been removed.
Parking fines
The fine for parking without paying in private and municipal lots is about to increase dramatically. Currently, people who get a ticket in these off-street locations pay $30 - in the Distillery District, the fee in a parking lot will cost a maximum of $35. The ticket is a bargain hunter’s dream. And, of course, there’s always the chance that a ticket won’t be issued at all. The fine in Green P lots was increased last December to $75. That’s the recommended amount for the new fines which will even everything across the city.
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: 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).
Distemper in raccoons
For some time, a distemper epidemic has been spreading through the city’s raccoon population. It’s a dangerous disease that kills its victims and can be spread to other animals, dogs in particular. Darcey Maher wrote an article on Victoria Hadden’s Facebook page, “6 am this past Sunday morning I came across a very sick baby raccoon at the north/east corner of Winchester and Parliament. It was on the road and showed all the signs of distemper (confusion, lack of fear, circling behaviour, head tilt, muscle twitches, convulsions with jaw chewing movements and salivation). It ultimately collapsed…” Darcey called 311 and Animal Services arrived very quickly. When she followed up, she was told that the disease is so widespread in Toronto, the sick animals are euthanized immediately and tests are not taken. (Photo: Barry Gray, Hamilton Spectator)
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).
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.
Cacti and succulents
Friends of Allan Gardens hosted a sale by local, small-production growers in the Children’s Conservatory (160 Gerrard) last weekend. A good crowd came out and vendors said that sales were brisk. Next up - two pumpkin carving days on October 28 and 29. The Friends have a very busy schedule - keep in touch with them online.
Your opinion counts
The Cabbagetown BIA is conducting a three-minute survey about this year’s Cabbagetown Festival. Straightforward questions ask for your reactions. There’s also a chance to win a $100 gift card. The survey is online here.
IN THE MEDIA
Ruth Miller’s story
Ruth has written a personal story in the Globe & Mail about her reasons for cleaning the house before she goes out the door. (Illustration: Chelsea O’Byrne, Globe & Mail)
FOR YOUR BODY
Brenda’s step classes
Brenda’s step classes are back on her normal schedule. Every Wednesday morning at 9:15 am at the Cabbagetown Youth Centre (2 Lancaster) through to the end of October. The fee is $5/class.
Essentrics
Gina Dineen is also back next Monday October 2. Her Essentrics classes regularly 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. Weekly updates are posted here every Monday - this schedule covers the week of October 1. Please note that the gym is closed for the Thanksgiving weekend and for Thanksgiving Monday. Click on the image to enlarge it.
COMING EVENTS
National Day for Truth & Reconciliation
The Children’s Book Bank at both Regent Park (585 Dundas E, Ste 260) and St James Town (561 Sherbourne, P3). 10:30 am, Saturday September 30. Pick up books for children and teens and get a handout reading list about the history and ongoing impact of residential schools.
Storytelling in Allan Gardens
The Children’s Book Bank holds regular storytelling days in the park. The next one happens on Saturday September 30 at 11 am. Free books for every child. Meet in the playground on the west side of the park. (Jarvis and Carlton).
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.
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). On Tuesday October 3, Tasso will be back with their exquisite pastries. There’s more info on Facebook.
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.
THEATRE NEWS
Alumnae Theatre
If We Were Birds - on stage now to October 7. If We Were Birds breathes new life into the age-old narrative of "Tereus, Procne, and Philomela.” Tickets and info online here. 70 Berkeley
Canadian Stage
Topdog/Underdog - on stage now to October 15. Genelle Levy has done a review for CBC News and says that it’s “another masterclass in race and intimate relationships.” Tickets and more info here. 26 Berkeley.
Native Earth
They Know Not What They Do - an audio play with free streaming online from September 30.
Soulpepper
Wildwoman - on stage from Thursday October 5 to Sunday October 29. Based on the shocking true story that inspired Beauty and the Beast, Wildwoman examines the lives of three very different women as they wrestle for survival and legacy in the 16th Century French Court of King Henry II. For tickets and more info, click here. 50 Tank House Lane.
RESTAURANT NEWS
Book your event
F’Amelia (12 Amelia) welcomes parties - they’ve hosted hundreds over the years and they love to do them. Email Tanya for more info.
Mill Street Brewpub - enjoy the Distillery’s Winter Village with your own party at Mill Street (21 Tank House Lane). Send an email to Marley.
OktoBIRD at The Aviary
It’s a mini craft beer fest with German pop music, German food and three local craft beers from Longslice, Paniza and Black Lab. 2 to 8 pm, Sunday October 1. Advance tickets $10, door $15. 484 Front E.
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.
Cyril’s soup
For Thanksgiving, Cyril’s making a curry, an Indian vegetable stew. It has lots of herbs and spices sautéed in coconut oil. Then onions, potatoes, sweet potatoes, chickpeas, zucchini, peas, cauliflower, and spinach, along with his magic sauce (tomatoes, coconut milk, tamarind paste, ginger, garlic, a few cashews, and more and more spices). His juice is beet, apple and ginger. 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 October 7. Please email him to place your order.
WEEKLY CALENDAR - CLUBS & PUBS
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 28 TO SUNDAY OCTOBER 8
For contact info about these clubs and restaurants, see the list at the bottom of this page.
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 28
No announcements available
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 29
Mill Street Brewpub
6 pm, Oktoberfest Party
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 30
Golden Pigeon
6 pm, Oktoberfest Party
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
The Aviary
Noon, Market Brews includes brunch and shopping local vendors at the community market
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
MONDAY OCTOBER 2
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
Super Bargain
7:30 pm, Trivia
TUESDAY OCTOBER 3
Golden Pigeon
4 pm, $2 oysters
7 pm, live jazz
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
The Aviary
8 pm, Bird Brain Trivia every Tuesday
WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 4
The Vibrational Apothecary
7:30 pm, traditional West African drumming classes with Amadou Kienou
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, euchre night
The Aviary
7 pm, Euchre Specials every Wednesday with monthly winners.
THURSDAY OCTOBER 5
No announcements available
FRIDAY OCTOBER 6
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 OCTOBER 7
Distillery Jazz in Trinity Square
1 pm, Canefire
Distlllery buskers
Summer Busker series, noon to 8 pm.
Naija Jolloff Lounge
6pm, Live music
SUNDAY OCTOBER 8
Distillery Jazz in Trinity Square
1 pm, Alex Pangman & the Alley Cats
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
