CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD
REVIEW
A PERSONAL VIEW
From time to time, I’ve been critical of City of Toronto staff about the tents in Allan Gardens. I’ve wondered why it’s taking so long to clear them away. Comments on local social media reinforce this view. A friend has challenged me about my attitude. He feels that City officials have shown the perseverance and patience necessary to win over the tent dwellers without resorting to brutal tactics. He notes that the numbers are falling - the data backs him up. In his opinion, the staff working in the park with the tent dwellers are doing a good job even though there aren’t enough of them and they don’t have the resources they need. Check out Councillor Moise’s Dashboard (below) for weekly reports.
LOCAL NEWS
Bell Box murals
The official unveiling for 12 new neighbourhood boxes happened on Saturday October 14 at 45 Winchester. Thanks go out to Councillor Chris Moise who organized Section 37 funding to pay for the twelve projects across his Ward. Congrats as well to Michael Cavanaugh - he coordinates the mural painting projects across the GTA. It’s a great idea - drab and graffiti-laden boxes are transformed into colourful neighbourhood assets. Over the summer, nearby Bell boxes at Homewood and Wellesley, at 153 Gerrard E and at Sumach and Geneva were also painted along with this one at Winchester and Parliament. Check out the Facebook page to see samples of the artists’ works.
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 week. His info for October 13 shows that there are 29 people staying in the park (down from the peak of 89 in mid-June). 15 people have housing plans, 8 have been in touch with City staff but have no plans and 6 do not want to move. There are also 29 structures - 11 have been removed.
The condo proposal for 505 - 509 Parliament
Steps are moving ahead at City Council to designate 509 Parliament under Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act. City Council passed a motion last week to declare its intention to make this designation. Both the Cabbagetown Preservation Association and the Heritage Conservation District advisory committee have sent letters asking for this designation.
Future steps for the condo development
After City Council’s decision about heritage designation of 509 Parliament, Gilles Huot feels that the initiative is now in the developer’s court and that the developer has three choices. First, resubmit the proposal to take into account the heritage designation and the changes requested by the community. Second, ignore all of this and go ahead with the hope that the Ontario Land Tribunal will save the project on appeal. Third, pull out altogether. There is, apparently, no deadline for any of these choices.
A new garden on Berkeley
The Boboli Garden was created on October 6. Louis-Philippe Rochon, Maggie Bruyne., Sean Kelly and Bryan Jones did the hard work and the City of Toronto’s Beautiful Streets program funded it. There’s a nifty video on YouTube - click here to see it.
Lizard
The iconic green Iizard that once lived above the door at Menagerie Pet Shop on Parliament will soon decorate a bar on Geary Street. In the meantime, it’s been refurbished and it’s even been given new spikes, claws and a horn.
Photos wanted
The Cabbagetown Residents Association needs a fresh selection of autumn photos for its Newsletter. Send along your favourites and see them published for the neighbourhood’s enjoyment. (This image: Eric Morse)
Regent Park clean-up
Last weekend, volunteers showed up to gather up garbage and clean the park in Regent Park. Congrats to everyone who helped - over 25 bags of litter were collected.
YOUR ANNOUNCEMENTS
John and Claire have just moved. Their bedroom furniture won’t fit up the stairs in their new place. They have a Mission-style dresser, mirror and highboy, all in great shape. $300 for all three. Email Claire.
HALLOWE’EN EVENTS
The Boo Barn
Riverdale Farm’s annual Boo Barn happens this weekend. Explore the spooky Boo Barn with your kids. There’ll be face painting and crafts. Carve your pumpkin on site and collect the seeds. Tools are provided. Free admission, no cost to carve and the suggested donation is $5 per pumpkin. 9:30 am to 3:30 pm on Saturday and Sunday. 201 Winchester east of Sumach.
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.
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.
COMING EVENTS
Toronto Dance Theatre
TDT is hosting an open house at its historic dance home at 80 Winchester Street. 11 am to 3 pm, Saturday October 21. There’ll be mini performances, all-ages movement classes, family fun and a TDT historic exhibit.
Corktown zoom meeting
The Corktown Residents and Business Association is holding a zoom meeting on October 24 from 7 to 9 pm. Robert McKaye, senior manager at the bentway is the special guest. Topics include Metrolinx, Inglenook School fence, laneway names and new development. Click here to join the meeting. Meeting ID: 864 4183 2245 and passcode: 994006.
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. Their latest CD will be released here. 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
Only two weeks left - the Fall harvest is now available. Open from 3 to 7 pm every Tuesday in Riverdale Park West (Sumach and Winchester). There’s more info on Facebook.
The Underpass Park Farmers Market
The Market on Thursday October 19 is the last one in this season at 29 Lower River from 4:30 to 7:30 pm. Check out the Facebook page for the list of this week’s vendors.
FOR YOUR BODY
Parliament Street Fitness
Throughout October, annual memberships are on sale at $999. You’ll get full use of the gym, all classes, towel service and day-use lockers. PSF (488 Parliament) offers both personal fitness opportunities and weekly organized classes - the image shows the schedule from October 23. Click on it to enlarge it.
Brenda’s step classes
Brenda organizes her step class every Wednesday morning at 9:15 am at the Cabbagetown Youth Centre (2 Lancaster). The fee is $5/class. For a while, she’s been worried that the birth of her first grandchild would interrupt this schedule. No problem - Fraser arrived well and beautiful on Saturday.
Essentrics
Gina’s Essentrics classes regularly happen every Monday morning at 9:30 am at the Cabbagetown Youth Centre (2 Lancaster).
FOR YOUR KIDS
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 Baby Time programs for infants and caregivers from birth to 18 months at both locations. In Regent Park (585 Dundas E), it’s on Monday from 11 am and on Sherbourne (561 Sherbourne), it’s on Thursdays from 4:30 pm. Stories and songs for babies. Drop-ins welcome.
Children’s Book Bank donation days
Saturday October 21, 11 am to 2:30 pm. Drop off your gently used books at the CBB Warehouse shipping bay next to 334 Bleecker. Books for babies and pre-schoolers are a priority.
THEATRE NEWS
For a monthly directory of the programs at our theatres, click here.
RESTAURANT NEWS
DJ Stevie Kicks & Mark Uncle
At The Golden Pigeon (424 Parliament) on Friday October 20 from 9 pm. They’ll be spinning Indie, 80s, rockers and reggae. No cover.
Paint Night at Super Bargain
All materials are included. Unleash your inner artist and bring your creative spirits. To register, click here. $45. 441 Parliament.
Murder mystery party
The Mill Street Brewpub murder mystery party is 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. 7 to 10 pm, October 31. 21 Tank House Lane
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.
Mill Street Brewpub
The Brewpub (21 Tank House Lane) is still celebrating Oktoberfest - for $15, get a stein of beer, keep the stein and you’re eligible to win a Brewpub gift card. To October 22.
Cyril’s soup
Cyril is making Lebanese squash and za’atar soup. Its flavours are herby, earthy and a tad lemony with butternut squash, sweet potatoes, carrots, regular potatoes and red lentils. His version is chunky but you can specify a blended one. His juice is pear and pomegranate. 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 21. Please email him to place your order.
WEEKLY CALENDAR - CLUBS & PUBS
THURSDAY OCTOBER 19 TO SUNDAY OCTOBER 29
For contact info about these clubs and restaurants, see the list at the bottom of this page.
THURSDAY OCTOBER 19
El Catrin
7 pm, Herradura Nights party
FRIDAY OCTOBER 20
Golden Pigeon
9 pm, DJ Stevie Kicks and Mark Uncle
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
Naija Jolloff Lounge
6pm, Karaoke
Super Bargain
10 pm, DJ Shamz
Wing House
9 pm, Karaoke
SATURDAY OCTOBER 21
Naija Jolloff Lounge
6pm, Live music
SUNDAY OCTOBER 22
Super Bargain
3 pm to 2 am, Sunday Funday
MONDAY OCTOBER 23
The Aviary
Fam Jam - Family night at The Aviary.
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
Super Bargain
7 pm, Paint night, $45
TUESDAY OCTOBER 24
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 25
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 OCTOBER 26
El Catrin
7 pm, Herradura Nights party
FRIDAY OCTOBER 27
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
Naija Jolloff Lounge
6pm, Karaoke
Super Bargain
10 pm, DJ Shamz
Wing House
9 pm, Karaoke
SATURDAY OCTOBER 28
Naija Jolloff Lounge
6pm, Live music
SUNDAY OCTOBER 29
The Aviary
7 pm, Retro movie night featuring “The Addams Family”
Super Bargain
3 pm to 2 am, Sunday Funday with DJ Shams
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
