CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD
REVIEW
I'VE MADE SOME CHANGES
Check out the right hand column. I've added some boxes there for events that are repeated every week. Their info will be kept up-to-date. I hope to avoid constant repetition of the same items without losing their valuable content.
LOCAL NEWS
A new development on Gerrard Street
A new low-rise building is proposed for the properties at 211-219 Gerrard E. The developer wants to put up a seven-storey building at Seaton and Gerrard, just east of The Georgian project on the old Beer Store site. The fifteen-storey Oben Flats building is a short distance west at Sherbourne. It’ll offer 39 rental units with 8 of them as affordable housing. There’ll be two amenity areas and a green roof - both indoors and outdoors on the second floor and outdoors on the top floor. Apart from 4 visitor spots, there won’t be any parking spaces but there will be space for 44 bicycles. (Image: 211 Gerrard E/Urban Toronto)
Tents in Allan Gardens
Councillor Chris Moise still publishes his useful Dashboard listing the statistics about the tents in Allan Gardens. Not much has changed over the past two weeks. His info for October 20 shows that there are 28 people staying in the park (down from the peak of 89 in mid-June). 15 people have housing plans, 7 have been in touch with City staff but have no plans and 6 do not want to move. There are also 29 structures - 9 have been removed.
Here’s a good reminder
Drop in to your favourite pharmacy and get your shot. Flu season starts soon. And while you’re there, check out the latest COVID vaccine.
Lookin’ spooky
The neighbourhood is lookin’ spooky. This is Wellesley Avenue.
HALLOWE’EN EVENTS
Hallowe’en goodie bags
Toronto Humane Society (11 River Street) is raising money by selling
Hallowe’en goodies bags for the shelter animals. You can buy one for prices anywhere from $5 to $150. This income will fund basic veterinary care like essential vaccines and microchipping that ensure their animals' safety throughout the year. Check out the donation opportunities online here.
Hallowe’en movie
The Children’s Book Bank (585 Dundas E) is screening Goosebumps, a live-action kids’ horror movie, on Friday October 27 at 4 pm. There’ll be free popcorn and drinks.
Pumpkin carving
The Friends of Allan Gardens invite you to visit the Children’s Conservatory (NW corner, Carlton and Jarvis) for a family pumpkin carving event. 10:30 am to 12:30 pm, Saturday October 28 and Sunday October 29. Pumpkins and carving tools are provided for kids over 3 years. Parental supervision is required. Wear your Hallowe’en costume. Free admission - a donation of $5 per pumpkin is suggested.
More spooky stuff
Here’s a front yard near Riverdale Park.
October Fun Fest
Friends of Regent Park are hosting their eighth annual Fun Fest on Saturday October 28 from noon to 4 pm. At the Bake Oven in the Big Park (Sackville and Oak). It’s a combination - Hallowe’en party, Oktoberfest and fall festival. There’ll be a BBQ, face painting, pumpkin carving, storytelling, DJ with dance demonstrations, music and apple crisp cooked in the outdoor bake oven.
Pumpkin walk
Every year, the Cabbagetown Residents Association organizes a post-Hallowe’en pumpkin walk in Riverdale Park West (Sumach and Winchester). It’s happening again this year from 5 to 9 pm on Wednesday November 1. Bring a non-perishable food donation for Dixon Hall. It’s a fun evening - hundreds of pumpkins, fun for your kids and lots of gossip among parents.
COMING EVENTS
Still more spooky stuff
This is from Sackville between Spruce and Gerrard. Thanks to Djj John on Cabbagetown Parents Facebook for the image.
Whiskey Jack in Toronto
Duncan Fremlin and his friends in Whiskey Jack will be singing at the Free Times Cafe (320 College) on Friday October 27 from 7:30 pm. Come for the show and for dinner. Tickets are $20 at the door. Reservations at (416) 967-1078.
All Saints Open House
All Saints Church (Sherbourne and Dundas) is often a source of controversy because of its programs with homeless and addicted people. Visit the Church on Saturday October 28 from 1 to 3 pm to see their work from their point of view. Meet their volunteers and some of their program participants.
Cabbagetown Farmers’ Market
Our last market day for the season - the Fall harvest is now available. From 3 to 7 pm on Tuesday October 31 in Riverdale Park West (Sumach and Winchester).
It’s Hallowe’en, wear your costume. The vendors will be dressed up. There’s more info on Facebook.
IN THE MEDIA
Development news
The area at Parliament, King and Adelaide is a hub of new development. The EQ Bank’s 23- storey tower is going up at Ontario and Adelaide. Demolition of the older building next door to it has started in preparation for the The Grainger & The Sanderson - 38-storey and 40-storey rental buildings. The Bauhaus Condo is a 32-storey building beside the EQ Tower on the northeast corner of Ontario and King. Details about each of these projects are available at Urban Toronto. (Image: Sweeney & Co, Architects)
IN OUR STORES
Porch pirates beware
Royal Home Hardware (485 Parliament) has a nifty motion detector light from Bell & Howell. It’s solar powered so you don’t need extensive electrical rewiring and you don’t have to leave it on constantly. Its light is mounted on a swivel to fit any nook or corner. And it’s easy to install. When a thief (or anybody else) passes it, a powerful beam blasts out for thirty seconds. $30.
FOR YOUR KIDS
Even more spooky stuff
This is from Cabbagetown South. Thanks to Eric Morse on Facebook for the image.
Toddlers’ drop-in yoga class
Caregivers and babies under 12 months are welcome to a drop-in yoga session. Every Thursday from 1:15 to 2:15 pm. Upstairs at the Regent Park Community Centre (402 Shuter). Free.
Learn how to cook - the Mini Chef program
Cafe Zuzu (555 Dundas E) and Council Fire have put together a six-week program for kids in Grades 5 to 8. It emphasizes the fundamentals of healthy, nutritional food and culinary skills. Monday afternoons, 4 to 6:45 pm, from October 16 to November 20. Additional info will be sent to registrants on October 11. To sign up, click here.
Baby Time
The Children’s Book Bank has regular Baby Time programs for infants and caregivers from birth to 18 months at both locations. In Regent Park (585 Dundas E), it’s on Mondays from 11 am and on Sherbourne (561 Sherbourne), it’s on Thursdays from 4:30 pm. Stories and songs for babies. Drop-ins welcome.
THEATRE NEWS
For a monthly directory of the programs at our theatres, click here.
Native Earth and Cafe Zuzu
They’ve joined to offer Native Earth (585 Dundas E) patrons a discount on meals at Cafe Zuzu (555 Dundas E). On the day of your show, simply show a ticket stub or proof of purchase to receive a 10% discount on your meal.
HALLOWE’EN IN OUR RESTAURANTS
Tarot reading at the HoP
Mystic Michael returns to the House on Parliament (454 Parliament) for a night of tarot card readings. Saturday October 28 from 6 pm.
Fusilli
Come to Fusilli (531 Queen E) for its Hallowe’en party. There’s a selection of four special cocktails, wine and hors d’oeuvres. And you can enjoy the regular menu as well. Wear a costume and enjoy yourself with your friends. $10 per person. Hallowe’en, October 31, 7 pm.
Playground
Playground (492 Parliament) presents A Playmates’ Pumpkin Patch - pumpkin painting. Decorate a pumpkin of your choice. 5 to 9 pm, Friday October 27 to Sunday October 29.
Mill Street’s parties
The Mill Street Brewpub (21 Tank House Lane) is having two parties this weekend. On Friday and Saturday, it’s a Hallowe’en Dance party from 6 pm both days. Then on Hallowe’en night, it’s a murder mystery party - a night of intrigue and suspense. The pub becomes a crime scene. Dress up in your Hallowe’en costume. Your ticket includes a beer flight and a DJ night, $45. 7 to 10 pm, October 31.
RESTAURANT NEWS
Retro movie night at The Aviary
On the last Sunday each month - The Aviary (484 Front E) is screening retro movies. On October 29, it’s “The Addams Family”. Free popcorn.
FamJam at The Aviary
Every Monday night, kids eat free. All kids 12 years and younger can pick a kids meal from the kids menu. 484 Front East.
Herradura Nights
El Catrin (18 Tank House Lane) is having a party every Thursday night to October 26. Free samples, feature cocktails, DJ music and Herradura tequila.
Cyril’s soup
When Cyril makes chili, he’s often overwhelmed by the volume of your orders. So, he’s split his work into two different chilis - beef and vegan - on two different dates. First, the beef chili will be delivered on November 4. Second, the vegan cashew version will be delivered on November 11. Please place your order for either (or both) of them before November 1. Both chilis are $4.50/cup for 3 to 9 cups and $4/cup for ten or more. His juice for both dates is pineapple, apple and basil at $9.50/2 cups. To place your orders (before November 1), send him an email.
WEEKLY CALENDAR - CLUBS & PUBS
THURSDAY OCTOBER 26 TO SUNDAY NOVEMBER 5
For contact info about these clubs and restaurants, see the list at the bottom of this page.
THURSDAY OCTOBER 26
El Catrin
7 pm, Herradura Nights party
FRIDAY OCTOBER 27
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
Mill Street Brewpub
6 pm, Hallowe’en Dance Party
Naija Jolloff Lounge
6pm, Karaoke
Playground
5 pm, A Playmates’ Pumpkin Patch
Super Bargain
10 pm, DJ Shamz
Wing House
9 pm, Karaoke
SATURDAY OCTOBER 28
House on Parliament
6 pm, Mystic Michael Tarot readings
Mill Street Brewpub
6 pm, Hallowe’en Dance Party
Naija Jolloff Lounge
6pm, Live music
Playground
5 pm, A Playmates’ Pumpkin Patch
SUNDAY OCTOBER 29
Playground
5 pm, A Playmates’ Pumpkin Patch
Super Bargain
3 pm to 2 am, Sunday Funday with DJ Shamz
The Aviary
7 pm, Retro movie night featuring “The Addams Family”
MONDAY OCTOBER 30
The Aviary
Fam Jam - Family night at The Aviary.
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
TUESDAY OCTOBER 31
Fusilli
7 pm, Hallowe’en Party
Golden Pigeon
4 pm, $2 oysters
7 pm, live jazz
Mill Street Brewpub
7 pm, Murder Mystery Party
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
The Aviary
8 pm, Bird Brain Trivia every Tuesday
WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 1
Golden Pigeon
8 pm, Bar trivia with Rachelle Lauzon
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 Socials every Wednesday with monthly winners.
THURSDAY NOVEMBER 2
El Catrin
7 pm, Herradura Nights party
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 3
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
Naija Jolloff Lounge
6pm, Karaoke
Super Bargain
10 pm, DJ Shamz
Wing House
9 pm, Karaoke
SATURDAY NOVEMBER 4
Naija Jolloff Lounge
6pm, Live music
SUNDAY NOVEMBER 5
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
Playground - 492 Parliament
Stout Irish Pub - 221 Carlton
Super Bargain - 441 Parliament
Wing House - 420 Parliament
%20(2).png)
