CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD
REVIEW
LOCAL NEWS
Randy Brown
Pumpkin walk
Every year, the Cabbagetown Residents Association organizes a post-Hallowe’en pumpkin walk in Riverdale Park West (Sumach and Winchester). This year’s Walk on Wednesday November 1 was another success.
Lots of families showed up - including Daniel and Liora.
Lookin’ good on Hallowe’en
These two angels were bagging goodies on Wellesley Street.
Honouring Larry Gains
Larry Gains was a leading heavyweight boxer in the 1920s and ‘30s. “Born and trained in the Cabbagetown neighbourhood, this Black boxer was one of the world’s best heavyweights in the 1920s and 1930s, winning the Canadian and British Empire heavyweight titles… Gains competed primarily in Europe as racism limited his opportunities in North America. Discrimination prevented him from challenging for the World Heavyweight Title despite beating several future champions, so he settled for the World Colored Heavyweight Title.” This citation by Parks Canada is on the plaque that honours Larry Gains. It will be erected in Regent Park in the Spring.
Two views about our real estate
Two prominent local realtors have offered their views about the current state of Cabbagetown’s real estate market.
Kim Ezeard
Duncan Fremlin
“Consumers must know by now that we're in the middle (or beginning) of a dangerous real estate market. Uncertainty prevails. As a Realtor, my job is to "manage expectations". I do that by asking sellers to consider finalizing their sale before buying something new. Buyers also have to beware and hope that the bank appraiser agrees with their purchase price, else financing will be denied… I sold a house that two years ago was appraised at $1.4m. We received four offers, all "under" the asking price. Sold for $900,000, which is exactly what the bank said it was worth. Unheard of only months ago.”
New development on Gerrard Street
Last week, there were reports of a new low-rise building proposed for 211 - 219 Gerrard E. According to Jordan Allison, local residents have not had time to consider it but their initial reactions are positive. He feels that some design adjustments are possible to blend it into its heritage environment. Urban Nation described the project in its October 24 edition.
Tents in Allan Gardens
Councillor Chris Moise still publishes his useful Dashboard listing the statistics about the tents in Allan Gardens. His info for October 27 shows that there are 25 people staying in the park (down from the peak of 89 in mid-June). 12 people have housing plans, 5 have been in touch with City staff but have no plans and 6 do not want to move. There are also 24 structures - 9 have been removed.
Remembrance Day
The Cabbagetown BIA is organizing a Remembrance Day ceremony at 10:15 am on November 11 at Carlton and Parliament. There’ll be readings by local officials and business people, a trumpet performance and a moment of silence. Light refreshments will follow the event.
Tour of soldiers’ graves
Following the November 11 Remembrance Day ceremony, Gilles Huot will lead a walking tour of soldiers’ graves in the Necropolis. He’s researching their graves and will pick a few where there’s an interesting story. It’s informal and will start at Carlton and Parliament and go first to the Necropolis chapel. Free.
Danny Marks
Danny is appearing at Smoke Show BBQ & Beer (744 Mt Pleasant) at 3 pm on Sunday November 5. $15 cover charge.
Congrats Beth
Beth Kaplan’s latest book, Midlife Solo, is fresh off the printing press. She’s celebrating her book launch at Ben McNally Books (108 Queen E) from 6 to 8 pm on Monday November 6. Everyone welcome. You can buy a copy directly from Beth or Ben McNally Books.
Sylvie Daigneault
Sylvie has a new book as well - The Imaginary Alphabet. She’s a long-time Cabbagetown resident and an accomplished book illustrator and author. We can read about her latest book at Pajama Press. It’s a great idea for Christmas gift giving. Pick up a copy at Mabel’s Fables, Amazon and Barnes & Noble as well as Pajama Press.
October Funfest
The Friends of Regent Park had a big success last weekend at their 8th annual Fall Funfest. Over 300 people came out. The garden in the Big Park was turned into a pumpkin patch and kids chose a pumpkin to carve or take home. There was face painting, cookie decorating, Indigenous storytelling and free books from the Children’s Book Bank. Congrats everyone who put it all together.
Cabbagetown Farmers’ Market
Tuesday’s market was the last for the season. Congrats go to Ellie Ruggles and David Doze for their fine work organizing each week’s markets. Ellie believes that the attendance ranged from a low point of 800 shoppers to a nifty high of 1200. The vendors who were recruited did a good job - lots of produce, good baked goods and successful on-site bbq’s.
Lookin’ good
Since it was Hallowe’en, the guy from Murray’s Farm showed up at the Cabbagetown Farmers’ Market in a ferocious mask.
IN THE MEDIA
Hallowe’en in Toronto
blogTO lists the neighbourhoods that it ranks as the most notable for Hallowe’en experiences. Cabbagetown is #3 - “spookily-decorated (and over the top) homes.”
IN OUR SHOPS
Marilyn at Pet Valu
Marilyn from Diggity Dog Grooming (239 Gerrard E) is back for her monthly nail trimming clinic for your pets at Pet Valu (240 Carlton). 9 am to 4 pm, Saturday November 4. $12. Please call her for an appointment - (416) 920-6814.
Great Mallard
The Great Mallard (503 Parliament) is back at the Royal Winter Fair. They’ve been invited this year to set up shop on Champions Row at the Heritage Court in the Enercare Centre. Last year, their jams placed in the top ten at the Fair and they’re aiming for that again this year. The Fair opens on Friday November 3 and runs to Sunday November 12 in Exhibition Place. (Photo: Great Mallard’s 2022 booth at the Royal Winter Fair)
Managing back pain
Dr Austin Broadhurst at Parliament Street Fitness (488 Parliament) is a chiropractor and an exercise specialist. He’s offering a one-hour workshop to help you manage your back pain. He’ll also describe his approach to chiropractic rehab and he’ll address chiropractic myths. 4 pm, Saturday November 11. Non-members at PSF are welcome. Free. Please email him to sign-up.
Kingyo’s tenth anniversary
Kingyo Fisherman’s Market (51B Winchester) is celebrating its tenth anniversary with a special sale. For 7 days only - the sale ends this weekend on November 5. Enjoy 10% off on Uber Eats, 10% off on Market items, 20% off on selected Sake bottles, $12 Sapporo pitcher, $8 thermal logo bags and free pins. It’s Toronto’s premium Japanese fish market. Drop in for a visit - it’s a beautiful store.
THEATRE NEWS
For a monthly directory of the programs at our theatres, click here.
Soulpepper’s Guide to Being Fabulous
Glenn Sumi has reviewed the current production at Soulpepper (50 Tank House Lane), The Guide to Being Fabulous. It’s earned a Critic’s Pick notice from the Globe & Mail.
A reminder - 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 poof o purchase to receive a 10% discount on your meal.
RESTAURANT NEWS
Lookin’ good
Tanya at F’Amelia (12 Amelia) had a dramatic face lift for the evening on Halloween.
Get a free glass
The House on Parliament (454 Parliament) is serving Kozel, a dark lager from Czech Republic. Buy a pint and go home with a free glass.
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.
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 NOVEMBER 2 TO SUNDAY NOVEMBER 12
For contact info about these clubs and restaurants, see the list at the bottom of this page.
THURSDAY NOVEMBER 2
No announcements
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 3
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 4
Naija Jolloff Lounge
6pm, Live music
SUNDAY NOVEMBER 5
Super Bargain
3 pm to 2 am, Sunday Funday with DJ Shamz
MONDAY NOVEMBER 6
The Aviary
Fam Jam - Family night at The Aviary.
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
TUESDAY NOVEMBER 7
Golden Pigeon
4 pm, $2 oysters
7 pm, live jazz
Super Bargain
7 pm, Drag Trivia
The Aviary
8 pm, Bird Brain Trivia every Tuesday
WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 8
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 9
No announcements
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 10
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
Naija Jolloff Lounge
6pm, Karaoke
Super Bargain
10 pm, DJ Shamz
Wing House
9 pm, Karaoke
SATURDAY NOVEMBER 11
Naija Jolloff Lounge
6pm, Live music
SUNDAY NOVEMBER 12
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
