CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD
REVIEW
FEATURED ARTIST
Cabbagetown Artists
For the past year, Cabbagetown’s artists have been neglected by this blog. Readers have been noting their absence. So now they’re back. Michael Cavanaugh will start off this revival. This week, here’s his piece entitled Ontario Street Crosswalk - typically, it captures his views of urban life in striking colours and perspectives. 40” by 30”, acrylic on canvas. Check out his work on Instagram and on his website.
LOCAL NEWS
Fire on River Street
A serious fire destroyed two homes on River Street on Wednesday November 15. It started at 6 am at 229 River and spread to 227. Both homes were vacant and boarded up. 225 River was also damaged. Neighbours report that squatters were seen in the two empty houses regularly. The owner of 225 had been in touch with the City of Toronto about the people in the other two homes. A 41-year old woman has been charged with arson and will appear in court on Thursday November 16. (Photo: Darek Zdzienicki/CBC News)
Power outage
Neighbourhoods from Crescent Road south to Gerrard and from Yonge to Bayview went without hydro from 9 pm on Saturday November 11 to 7 am on Sunday. Not everyone in this area experienced the blackout - in Don Vale, for example, the homes south of Winchester had power. The buildings in Regent Park and St James Town were spared. Along Bayview, the lights were out at the Brickworks and Rosedale Valley Road but were operating at River Street. Toronto Hydro spokesman Jeff Pozzobon said that crews were repairing equipment in Hydro’s Sherbourne Station and couldn’t do their work if the power was flowing. Many residents and business people have complained that the notices arrived late or not at all - Mr Pozzobon speculated that the volume of notices may have plugged up the post office. (Photo: Marc Lostracco)
Olympic athletes
Both Jazz Shukla who runs the 800 meter race and Sydney Payne from the Women’s 8 rowing crew have qualified to go to the 2024 Paris Olympics as members of Canada’s team. Neither went to the 2023 Pan Am Games in Chile because each was taking a break from tough training schedules. This left openings for other young athletes to qualify for Paris as well.
Regent Park Film Festival
The annual Festival returns from November 23 to 26 at the Daniels Spectrum (595 Dundas E). 48 films, panels, receptions and more. It’s free. As usual, there’s general program and a school program. Details about each film and timing are available online.
Remembrance Day
The Cabbagetown BIA’s Remembrance Day ceremony on November 11 at Carlton and Parliament was both a solemn and a neighbourly event. Marci Ien, our MP and Councillor Chris Moise gave greetings along with Vharshaa Punithechelvan from Kristyn Wong Tam’s office. Bill Renieris, the BIA’s chair, welcomed the audience. Rouma Taneja from Spiritleaf Cannabis, Shinji Yamaguchi from Gushi Foods and Patty Junior from The Epicure Shop commented on the importance of poppies. Silas Friesen performed on his trumpet during O Canada, the hymn, The Last Post and Reveille. After the ceremony, Gilles Huot conducted a guided tour of soldiers’ graves in The Necropolis.
Tents in Allan Gardens
Councillor Chris Moise still publishes his useful Dashboard list with the statistics about the tents in Allan Gardens. Not much has changed over the past week. His info for November 10 shows that there are 19 people staying in the park. 8 people have housing plans, 6 have been in touch with City staff but have no plans and 5 don’t want to move. There are 25 structures - 10 have been removed.
More tents
Tents have started to appear in Wellesley Park (east end of Wellesley Street). One structure has been there for several weeks. Two more arrived this week. A neighbour reports that the City of Toronto sent around a bylaw team on Wednesday to assess the situation. They apparently need to know whether the tents “fit in to the park’s environment”. They’ve decided that they don’t “fit” given their secluded, dark location in the park and the children and homeowners nearby. To comment on these tents, call 311 at the City and email Councillor Chris Moise.
Anniversary Park update
The City of Toronto has been working on designs for a renewal at Anniversary Park (Gerrard and Parliament). The team has offered a preferred design for public comment. As shown in the diagram, the sidewalk on the north side will be much wider and lined with benches and tables. There’ll be a small central plaza where people can gather and events can be staged. Gardens will be located along the Gerrard Street side to cushion the impact of street traffic. The tree canopy will be thinned. The traffic route will still be located on the north side. These changes are explained online along with a survey to gauge local reactions.
Distillery’s Winter Village
The Distillery’s big Christmas season event is back and it‘ll run to January 7. The tree lighting ceremony happens on Thursday November 16 at 6 pm. Tickets are required at various times until December 31. Purchases must be made in advance since there’ll be no onsite ticket sales— prices range from $15 to $45. Tickets are not required from January 1 to 7. For details, go to the website. Traffic congestion and parking are a nightmare - the TTC, Uber, taxis and walking are all recommended
Red tail hawk
This big hawk visited Margaret’s backyard on Prospect Street for a chance to eat its lunch - fresh pigeon!
Lookin’ good
Everyone paid their respects during the Remembrance Day ceremony.
YOUR ANNOUNCEMENTS
Winter clothing drive
“Linda Sims is once again on the hunt for used winter clothing to provide to New Circles, a non-profit that helps clothe immigrants, refugees and Torontonians in need. Linda is reaching out to fellow Cabbagetowners for any winter clothing and gear they can donate - coats, hats, scarves, boots, sweaters and more. She can also take other winter clothing such as pants, suits, shirts and shoes. Women’s, men’s and children’s items are all in demand. Linda is happy to gather your donations for New Circles - email her to arrange for a pickup.”
COMING EVENTS
Worms & Dirt
Explore your garden’s underworld and the little critters living beneath its surface. Special guests - Yousef Abdelsalam and Cheyenne Sundance. Best suited for kids 3 to 8 years old. Parental or caregiver supervision is required. Children’s Conservatory (Jarvis and Carlton) in Allan Gardens. Saturday November 18, 10:30 am. $5 donation is requested.
Ann Kay’s exhibition
Ann will be at the art show at the Garden Holiday Market at the Toronto Botanical Gardens (777 Lawrence E). 2 to 8 pm on Friday November 24 and 10 am to 4 pm on Saturday and Sunday, November 25 and 26. She’ll be selling her lovely botanical ceramics. The Market is an eco-themed, nature-inspired shopping experience and Ann’s works fit right into it.
CPA Fall meeting
The Cabbagetown Preservation Association will host its Fall meeting on Thursday November 30, 7 to 8:30 pm in the Meeting House at Riverdale Farm (201 Winchester, east of Sumach). The meeting’s theme will be “Parliament Street on the cusp - developing a vision.” (Photo: Carlton Theatre, Toronto Archives, 1937).
SHOPPING NEWS
Jay’s Garden Centre
Jay’s has been renovated. For over 40 years, this family-run store has brought us the best gardening and decorative supplies. Its exterior has now had a contemporary new coat of paint. The interior has been remodelled into a floral shop. Outside, the space will feature garden supplies, bedding plants and veggies. The shop will offer fresh flowers, indoor plants and custom-designed arrangements. For Regent Park residents, there’ll be lots of patio pots and house plants. It’s a welcoming, refreshing makeover. Check out the new website and Instagram for lots more info.
Congrats for The Great Mallard
Christina and her crew spent the last couple of weeks at their booth at the Royal Winter Fair. The effort paid off. She’s thrilled to announce, “our delicious Raspberry jam has triumphed as the #1 choice by judges at the prestigious Royal Winter Fair. We are also thrilled that our orange marmalade placed 3rd, and our blueberry-cinnamon and strawberry jams placed 4th!” Well done! Drop by The Great Mallard (Parliament) on Saturday November 18 from 11 am to 3 pm to taste these award winners.
Distillery’s Winter Village highlights
Open from 10 am daily with outdoor shopping cabins and food vendors. Throughout the season, meet Santa and the roaming elves, join the carollers’ sing-alongs and listen to live entertainment. Enjoy the Distillery’s permanent restaurants, food specialty shops and retailers as well as the outdoor shopping cabins and 11 bar experiences. The Winter Village shopping week happens from January 1 to 7. Extended Boxing Day sales will continue.
IN THE MEDIA
Artscape
In September, Artscape announced that it expects to go into receivership. Josh O’Kane, David Millstead and Greg Mercer wrote a detailed description of the decline of a once-dominant force on Toronto’s arts scene for the Globe & Mail.
Fire on River Street
Several news outlets reported on the fire that engulfed 229 River Street - here's the link to the CBC's coverage. The photographs are outstanding. (Photo: Elaine Shields/CityNews)
THEATRE NEWS
Check out CCDT’s annual Wintersong performance. And at Soulpepper, take in two concerts plus its annual Family Festival. These listings and more are online here.
RESTAURANT NEWS
F’Amelia’s Wine Maker’s Dinner
Steve Neuhof from Niagara’s Reif Winery will join F’Amelia (12 Amelia) on Tuesday November 21 for a five-course dinner. Each course is accompanied by outstanding VQA wines from Reif. For more info, go to F’Amelia’s website. For reservations, call (416) 323-0666 or send an email. $150.
F’Amelia’s pizza and PJs
Every Monday, take out two pizzas from F’Amelia (12 Amelia) for $35 plus add a bottle of Redtail chardonnay or pinot noir for $25.
Events at The Aviary
Longslice Brewery (484 Front E) presents Latin Nights with salsa lessons from Paula and Jose and hot Latin tunes by DJ Amarok - Thursday November 16 at 8 pm and Saturday November 18 at 9 pm. $10 in advance and $15 at the door. The Aviary is offering a meet-up for new parents every Thursday afternoon from 2 to 4 pm. It’s free and no purchase is necessary.
Drag bingo
Join Super Bargain (441 Parliament) on Tuesday November 21 at 7 pm with Messy Margaret and Drag Bingo.
Cyril’s soup
Cyril’s soup this week is “orange”. It’s carrot, miso, ginger and orange - simple, sweet and savoury. $3.50/cup for 3 to 9 cups and $3/cup for 10 cups or more. His juice is orange peach and passion fruit at $9.50/2 cups. To place your orders, send him an email.
WEEKLY CALENDAR - CLUBS & PUBS
THURSDAY NOVEMBER 16 TO SUNDAY NOVEMBER 26
For contact info about these clubs and restaurants, see the list at the bottom of this page.
THURSDAY NOVEMBER 16
The Aviary
8 pm, Latin night
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 17
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
Naija Jolloff Lounge
6pm, Karaoke
Super Bargain
10 pm, oysters and DJ Shamz
Wing House
9 pm, Karaoke
SATURDAY NOVEMBER 18
The Aviary
9 pm, Latin night
Naija Jolloff Lounge
6pm, Live music
SUNDAY NOVEMBER 19
Super Bargain
3 pm to 2 am, Sunday Funday
MONDAY NOVEMBER 20
The Aviary
Fam Jam - Family night at The Aviary.
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
Super Bargain
7:30 pm, Trivia Night
TUESDAY NOVEMBER 21
Golden Pigeon
4 pm, $2 oysters
7 pm, live jazz
Super Bargain
7 pm, Drag Bingo
The Aviary
8 pm, Bird Brain Trivia every Tuesday
WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 22
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 23
The Aviary
2 to 4 pm, Tapz & Napz meet-ups for new parents
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 24
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
Naija Jolloff Lounge
6pm, Karaoke
Super Bargain
10 pm, DJ Shamz
Wing House
9 pm, Karaoke
SATURDAY NOVEMBER 25
Naija Jolloff Lounge
6pm, Live music
SUNDAY NOVEMBER 26
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
