THE BIA’S PLANS
The Cabbagetown BIA (237 Carlton) held its annual meeting in mid-November and the membership approved an ambitious 2024 program. There’ll be events, streetscape improvements and special marketing campaigns. Their boundaries run from Wellesley to Gerrard, along Gerrard to Sherbourne and along Carlton to Ontario. The BIA has an informative website, Facebook page and Instagram.
The BIA’s 2024 events
In the near future, they’ll be distributing STEPS accessibility ramps decorated by young artists to local stores. They’re working with Saint Luke’s Church and Dixon Hall on fundraisers for their food security programs. They’ll be organizing heritage walking tours, live music events and outdoor theatre. All of this is in addition to regular events like the Cabbagetown Festival, Holiday in the Patch and the Remembrance Day ceremony.
The BIA’s improvements
Murals have already been a successful part of the BIA’s streetscape and they’re planning for another one in 2024. They’re also expanding their landscaping with two new pollinators gardens at Winchester and Amelia. Currently, they purchase floral baskets for 68 street poles and fund five gardens - this will continue. They’ll clean up the graffiti and postering on the street poles with pole wraps featuring a unique Cabbagetown design. Their street cleaning team will be trained to remove graffiti, unwanted posters and random weeds and six new cigarette receptacles will recycle cigarette butts and litter. They’ll install Cabbagetown flags on thirty storefronts to brand the streets. A morning security team will patrol storefronts to help business owners safely enter their premises.
Bigger streetscape projects
Several larger challenges are ahead in the BIA’s area. There’s growing interest in the street’s heritage values. There’s already pressure to allow redevelopment of the retail properties - like the condo proposed for 509 Parliament. The TTC will be digging up Parliament to repair the tracks in 2025 and this will create an opportunity to rebuild the sidewalks as outlined in the BIA’s new Streetscape plan. Anniversary Park is scheduled for a renewal in 2024 and the final plans are now being decided. The BIA’s Board and staff are aware of these changes and are preparing for them.
LOCAL NEWS
The heritage history of Parliament Street
This is the featured topic at the Cabbagetown Preservation Association’s Fall meeting. Thursday, November 30, 7 pm, Meeting House at Riverdale Farm (201 Winchester, east of Sumach). It has, of course, been thoroughly discussed previously. This time, it’s a serious warm-up for the effort to create a heritage district along Parliament. Gilles Huot will outline the street’s history and development as a preface to the February 2024 meeting’s look at the street’s future. There’s a full discussion in the CPA’s Fall newsletter.
The police budget
Sergeant Henry Dyck from 51 Division’s Neighbourhood Community Office has invited the community to review and comment on the 2024 Toronto Police Service budget. There’ll be a series of hybrid public meetings in late November and December - both in-person at 40 College St and online. These are running parallel to the City’s separate budget consultations. You can observe and participate at rhe Board’s budget subcommittee meeting on Monday November 27 at 10 am and on Tuesday December 12 at 2:30 pm. The full Board is meeting on Tuesday December 19 at 9 am. Budget information is available online.
Regent Park Film Festival
The annual Festival returns on 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.
Tents in Allan Gardens
Councillor Chris Moise’s useful Dashboard lists the weekly statistics about the tents in Allan Gardens. Not much has changed over the past week. His info for November 17 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 24 structures - 10 have been removed.
More tents
Two more tents appeared in Wellesley Park (east end of Wellesley Street). A third structure has been there for several weeks. On Wednesday and Thursday, the new tents were removed and City crews were hauling away them and the other debris left by the campers. The original tent has been left unmolested because, apparently, the occupant is a cooperative, friendly man. To comment on these tents, call 311 at the City and email Councillor Chris Moise.
Port Lands update
Waterfront Toronto’s huge project at the Cherry Street entrance to the lakeshore and at the mouth of the Don River is nearing some important milestones. Check out this video for an update - it gives you a real appreciation for the size and accomplishments in this project.
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.
Seaton Street mural
Rick Matthews tells us about this new sign on Seaton Street, "This fence was badly tagged until a resident took it upon themselves to paint it. The fence was then tagged AGAIN, but the neighbour persisted and added the 'Welcome to Seaton Street' mural. It's a small act that says so much about our desire to make this community a safe and welcoming one.”
Unprecedented street cleaning
For the first time in Peter’s memory, City of Toronto crews are sweeping up leaves and debris beneath parked cars on Wellesley. Normally, only the opposite side gets cleaned. No evidence yet that this good idea has spread to other streets! (Photo: Peter Kent)
A little visitor
This tiny screech owl has been living in a protected spot under the roof at a Wellesley Street home for a week. Debra thinks that he’s been successful finding mice for his meals - he’s been getting a bit rounder. Nearby neighbours have heard a screech owl’s calls for several weeks. (Photo: D M McLaughlin)
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 - you can email her to arrange for a pickup.”
COMING EVENTS
Founder’s Dinner
The Enoch Turner Schoolhouse (106 Trinity) invites you to join its annual Founder’s Dinner. Friday December 1, 6 pm. The 2023 version is special - it’s the Schoolhouse’s 175th anniversary. Steve Paikin from TVO is this year’s heritage champion. The evening includes hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar, a four-course dinner, music and an award presentation. For details and tickets, click here. $175.
Christmas tree lighting
The beautiful big tree in Riverdale Farm (201 Winchester, east of Sumach) will be decorated and lit again this year - Saturday, December 2, 7 pm. There’ll also be crafts and snacks for families. The park will close at 8 pm.
Pop-up holiday gift shop
The Friends of Allan Gardens are holding their pre-Christmas gift shop on December 2 - 3, 9 - 10 and 16 - 17, from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm. Plants, decorations, greeting cards and more. Children’s Conservatory (160 Gerrard E).
Holiday in the Patch
The Cabbagetown BIA (237 Carlton) has organized its annual holiday event on Saturday December 2. It’s family-friendly and free. Get a photo with Santa, enjoy strolling carollers, come to the Family Fun Zone at 237 Carlton. And take in the shoppers’ scavenger hunt - get a map and a bag at the Family Fun Zone and visit each business listed for the hunt.
51 Division toy drive
Make a child happy with a new unwrapped toy. Drop it off at the 51 Division HQ (51 Parliament)
SHOPPING NEWS
Christmas at Jay’s Garden Flower Market
Jay’s Garden Flower Market (358 Gerrard E at Sackville) is ready for your Christmas rush. They’ve got lots of trees, boughs and wreaths, beautiful indoor and outdoor decorations and seasonal floral arrangements. Be sure to go inside and see their new displays. Check out the new website and Instagram for lots more info.
Distillery’s Winter Village highlights
Open from 10 am daily with outdoor shopping cabins and food vendors. Throughout the Christmas 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. Tickets are required for various times throughout the schedule - check online for purchases and prices.
IN THE MEDIA
Don’t take these guys seriously!
Somebody called Solunar Forecast & Predictions (world-wide solunar best hunting and fishing times) published a report for November 23 showing the best times to go hunting in Cabbagetown. It contains detailed daily charts. No mention of your prey.
THEATRE NEWS
At Soulpepper (50 Tank House Lane, Distillery), take in two concerts plus its annual Family Festival. These listings and more are online here.
RESTAURANT NEWS
The gents are getting settled
After considerable research, this gentleman’s drinking society has reached Super Bargain (441 Parliament). They obviously have found it comfortable and fully up to their needs. From the left, Eric, Ray, Dennis and Stan have been scouting out and testing various locations along the street over the past while. (Photo: Eric Morse/ Super Bargain)
F’Amelia’s pizza and PJs
Every Sunday and Monday, take out two pizzas from F’Amelia (12 Amelia) for $35 plus add a bottle of Redtail chardonnay or pinot noir for $25.
Cheers & Beers at Stout Irish Pub
Daily from Monday to Saturday from 9 to 11 pm. All Louis Cifer brews and appetizers are $6 each. 221 Carlton.
Events at The Aviary
The Aviary (484 Front East) is offering a meet-up for new parents every Thursday afternoon from 2 to 4 pm. It’s free and no purchase is necessary.
Cyril’s soup
It’s Cyril’s last soup for 2023! He expects to be back, refreshed, in 2024. It’s sweet potato, chickpea and lentil with some tomato, cumin, coriander, paprika, garlic, lemon and ginger - thick and chunky. $3.50/cup for 3 to 9 cups and $3/cup for 10 cups or more. His juice is pineapple-cranberry with a touch of orange at $9.50/2 cups. Delivery on December 2, order deadline on November 29. To place your orders, send him an email.
WEEKLY CALENDAR - CLUBS & PUBS
THURSDAY NOVEMBER 23 TO SUNDAY DECEMBER 3
For contact info about these clubs and restaurants, see the list at the bottom of this page.
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, oysters and 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
MONDAY NOVEMBER 27
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 28
Golden Pigeon
4 pm, $2 oysters
7 pm, live jazz
The Aviary
8 pm, Bird Brain Trivia every Tuesday
WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 29
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 30
The Aviary
2 to 4 pm, Tapz & Napz meet-ups for new parents
7 pm, Arts and draughts - learn to crochet
FRIDAY DECEMBER 1
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
Naija Jolloff Lounge
6pm, Karaoke
Super Bargain
10 pm, DJ Shamz
Wing House
9 pm, Karaoke
SATURDAY DECEMBER 2
Naija Jolloff Lounge
6pm, Live music
The Aviary
7 pm, Arts and draughts - painting Christmas ornaments
SUNDAY DECEMBER 3
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
Playground - 492 Parliament
Stout Irish Pub - 221 Carlton
Super Bargain - 441 Parliament
Wing House - 420 Parliament
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