CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD
REVIEW
FEATURED ARTIST
Irene DeClute
Dermott Place & Spruce - more snow on Cabbagetown’s streets. Oil on canvas, 11” by 14”. For more info about her work, send an email.
LOCAL NEWS
Christmas lighting contest
Two residents associations - Cabbagetown South and Cabbagetown Residents - have joined together to run their Holiday Lights Contest. Nominate a home that you really enjoy - including your own. Enter the contest until December 26 by posting a photo (along with the home’s address) on Instagram or on the CRA Facebook page with the hash tag #cabbagetownlights or you can email your photo to info@cabbagetowner.com or info@cabbagetownsouth.ca. The nominations and the winner will be posted on the CRA and Cabbagetown South websites.
Toyota supports Sydney
Toyota is sponsoring Sydney Payne. She’s an Olympic athlete who won a gold medal in Tokyo as part of the Women’s Eight rowing team. She’s qualified to return for the Paris Olympics. Toyota is sponsoring her and as part of their support, she’s now driving a new hybrid. Having a new, reliable car makes her life a lot easier since she goes to four different training sites.
Beth Kaplan’s new book
By all accounts, Beth’s latest book - Midlife Solo - is a terrific read. Glenda MacFarlane, the book review editor in The Bridge, has written, “An extraordinary life, written with tremendous heart, insight, and humour. The perfect gift for the holiday season.” Beth recommends that you get your copy at Ben McNally Books.
Consultation about 211- 219 Gerrard East
A proposal has been submitted to the City of Toronto for a 7-storey mixed use building on this site. There will be an online community consultation about the project from 6 to 7:30 pm on Tuesday December 19. You can find the drawings and progress reports online here. Register for the meeting here.
230 Fightback victory
Last week, this group planned to protest the application by KingSett Capital to build a 47-storey condo at 214 - 230 Sherbourne. They believe that the property should be used for social housing. They called it off after receiving an email with an update on plans for the site from Bill Logar, KingSett’s chief asset management officer, “KingSett has offered to sell 214-230 Sherbourne back to the City of Toronto for a value that covers the costs that we have incurred to date (and no more). We understand what this property means to the local community and we are now patiently awaiting a response from the City.” 230 Fightback will now shift its focus to Mayor Chow and the City.
Congrats to the Cabbagetown BIA
The Cabbagetown BIA (237 Carlton) won an Events Award at the 11th annual Toronto Area BIA awards night. They earned it for the fine work done at the 2023 Cabbagetown Festival by the BIA. It was, as the BIA states on Facebook, “a triumphant return of our beloved community event.” The Award was deserved - congrats and thanks to everyone who worked to put together such a successful weekend.
Congrats Blair’s Run
This year’s Run earned a record amount. Donations totalled $53,150 on behalf of the Cabbagetown Youth Centre. Three teams really did a good job - Wellesley Wanderers ($7,438), the Carlton Comets ($6,283) and the BCG Toronto Kiwanis Board ($5,218). The Run is a big project that takes the efforts of people all through the neighbourhood. Thanks and congrats to everyone who made it such a success.
Tents in Allan Gardens
Councillor Chris Moise’s useful Dashboard lists the weekly statistics about the tents in Allan Gardens. This week’s report has now been updated - on December 8, it shows that there are 18 people staying in the park. 5 people have housing plans, 8 have been in touch with City staff but have no plans and 5 don’t want to move. There are 19 structures.
Follow-up about Wellesley Park tent
Finally, there’s an official response to the removal of the last tent in Wellesley Park. Three tents had appeared there and in November, two were removed. The occupant in the third tent was not removed - to the confusion of local residents. Councillor Chris Moise’s office says that this person was co-operating with City of Toronto officials and waiting for alternative housing. Once that was settled, he moved and the tent was taken down.
Oops - fixing an error
Last week, I congratulated Alwin for winning the 2023 Streetscape in Bloom prize - that’s correct. Unfortunately, the photo shows Neil Modi who won the Peggy Kurtin Award for the outstanding renovation of his home at 274 Carlton. Nothing has changed for Alwin. His garden at 7 Winchester was given its award because it consistently met and surpassed the criteria set out by the judges. 274 Carlton - left above. (Photo: Keller Williams Portfolio Realty).
Salt on the sidewalks
Some households already have salt on the public sidewalk in front of their homes. Please don’t use this stuff - it hurts our dogs’ paws. Tiffany from Laurier Ave urges us to get some pet-friendly melter instead. It's available at Royal Home Hardware (485 Parliament)
CHRISTMAS EVENTS
Carolling for Cans
Once again, strolling singers will visit local homes to sing Christmas carols between 2 to 4 pm on Sunday December 17. Their route travels along Amelia, south on Sumach, along Carlton, north on Metcalfe as well as east and west along Salisbury, Winchester, Millington and Sackville Place. Combined with their visits, a separate crew is collecting donations for the food bank at Saint Luke Church (Sherbourne and Carlton). Anyone who wants to donate can leave their bags on the front porch. Flyers will be distributed on Saturday December 9. The photo shows last year’s successful collection - they hope to double it this year.
A Christmas Carol
The Charles Dickens classic will be presented at St Peter and St Simon Church (525 Bloor E) at 7 pm on Friday December 22. Carol singing and refreshments. Tickets ($20, $15 seniors and kids) - call (416) 923-8714.
More singing
The Cabbagetown BIA has again organized a Christmas caroling group. They’ll be performing along Parliament Street and in the stores on Saturday December 16 from noon to 4 pm.
Pop-up holiday gift shop
The Friends of Allan Gardens are holding their pre-Christmas gift shop on December 16 & 17 from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm. Plants, decorations, greeting cards and more. Children’s Conservatory (160 Gerrard E).
51 Division toy drive
Make a child happy with a new unwrapped toy. Drop it off at the 51 Division HQ (51 Parliament)
Riverdale Farm Christmas tree
The beautiful big tree in Riverdale Farm (201 Winchester, east of Sumach) has been decorated and lit again this year.
IN THE MEDIA
Saint Luke Church Food Bank
The food bank at Saint Luke Church (Sherbourne and Carlton) served its 80,000th hot meal last Sunday. It’s part of the Out Of The Cold program. The church originally set it up to pass out food to 350 people each week for six months - and now it gives out 650 meals each week for 52 weeks a year. There’s a good report online about this remarkable work. (Photo: Paige Taylor White, Toronto Star)
The Cabbagetown Community Arts Centre
Winnie Czulinski has written a detailed profile of the Cabbagetown Community Arts Centre (422 Parliament) in this month’s edition of The Bridge. She explains its programs and its history and then ties all of that together around a GoFundMe Campaign to ensure the Centre’s future.
SHOPPING NEWS
A quick reminder
Mark at St Jamestown Steak & Chops (516 Parliament) is now taking orders for your Christmas dinners - turkey, smoked ham, honey glazed ham, prime rib roast, capon and beef tenderloin are all on his recommended list.
Christmas shopping at Kendall & Co
This Saturday at Kendall & Co, enjoy live music by talented local musician Joseph Piilonen and warm cider while you holiday shop. Find beautiful and unique items to decorate, to entertain and to give this festive season at Kendall and Co (514 Parliament). Kendall’s friendly elves will help you check off everyone and everything on your list with new furniture, area rugs, accent pillows, lighting, wallpaper, drapery and blinds. Extended store hours: Monday 10 am to 6 pm, Tuesday noon to 6 pm, Wednesday to Friday 10 am to 6 pm, Saturday 11 am to 6 pm, and Sunday noon to 5 pm.
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. (Photo: Eric Morse)
THEATRE NEWS
Soulpepper’s (50 Tank House Lane, Distillery) annual Family Festival presents Alice in Wonderland and On A Night Like This. Alumnae Theatre, Canadian Stage, Citadelle and Native Earth - all have new plays coming in January and February. These listings and more are online here.
RESTAURANT NEWS
Reserve your place
Cranberries is again offering its highly popular Christmas Day feast. You’ll enjoy a three-course meal with soup or salad, roast turkey with fresh veggies, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce and a homemade roll. For dessert, there’s warm apple pie and ice cream. Three seatings are available - 3 pm, 5 pm and 7:30 pm. Please call to make your reservation - (416) 925-6330. $45.
Le Conci is now Bisou
Le Conci is changing - “We are changing our name. Le Conciliabule Lab is becoming “BISOU” meaning “Kiss”. Why? A kiss is in the moment and never the same.” You can visit for dinner twice a week on Thursday and Friday evenings. Check out the current events at Instagram. Send an email for reservations and more info. (350 Berkeley)
Christmas Eve pj party
Wear your pyjamas. Erin is inviting everyone to join her on Christmas Eve at Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton). It’s a uniquely cozy celebration. In appreciation, she’s giving her PJ-wearing guests a complimentary glass of Jameson’s.
Drag bingo at Super Bargain
Don’t miss out on the fun - Tuesday December 19, 7 pm. Hosted by Messy Margaret. 441 Parliament.
Party at the Golden Pigeon
DJ Swank is creating a yacht party on Saturday December 15 from 7 pm. Imagine dancing on an island for the holidays. 424 Parliament
Trivia at The Golden Pigeon
The next trivia date at the Golden Pigeon (424 Parliament) is Wednesday December 20, 8 to 10 pm. It’s hosted by Rachelle Lauzon.
Charlie Brown at The Aviary
The Aviary (484 Front East) presents a live performance of A Charlie Brown Christmas. Starring Terri, Christopher and Kyle and a children’s choir. This is an extra performance, 4:30 pm, Saturday December 16.
Food drive at Mill Street
The Mill Street Brewpub (21 Tank House Lane) is holding a food drive to support the Daily Bread Food Bank. Bring in non-perishable foods to the Retail Store until December 31.
Winesday at F’Amelia
It’s back - Winesday at F’Amelia (12 Amelia) happens every Wednesday. Buy any bottle priced over $100 and get it for half price.
Cyril’s soup
Cyril has finished his 2023 soup deliveries - he’ll be back in January.
WEEKLY CALENDAR - CLUBS & PUBS
THURSDAY DECEMBER 14 TO SUNDAY DECEMBER 24
For contact info about these clubs and restaurants, see the list at the bottom of this page.
THURSDAY DECEMBER 14
The Aviary
2 to 4 pm, Tapz & Napz meet-ups for new parents
FRIDAY DECEMBER 15
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
Naija Jolloff Lounge
6pm, Karaoke
Super Bargain
10 pm, oysters and DJ Shamz
Wing House
9 pm, Karaoke
Golden Pigeon
7 pm, Yacht party with DJ Swank
SATURDAY DECEMBER 16
The Aviary
1 and 3 pm - A Charlie Brown Christmas
SUNDAY DECEMBER 17
Super Bargain
3 pm to 2 am, Sunday Funday
MONDAY DECEMBER 18
The Aviary
Fam Jam - Family night at The Aviary.
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
Super Bargain
7:30 pm, Trivia Night
TUESDAY DECEMBER 19
Golden Pigeon
4 pm, $2 oysters
7 pm, live jazz
The Aviary
8 pm, Bird Brain Trivia every Tuesday
Super Bargain
Happy hour to 8 pm, Tequila Tuesday with margaritas and palms at $11 and tequila mixed singles at $5.
7 pm, drag bingo
WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 20
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.
Golden Pigeon
8 pm, trivia with Rochelle Lauzon
THURSDAY DECEMBER 21
The Aviary
2 to 4 pm, Tapz & Napz meet-ups for new parents
FRIDAY DECEMBER 22
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
Naija Jolloff Lounge
6pm, Karaoke
Super Bargain
10 pm, DJ Shamz
Wing House
9 pm, Karaoke
SATURDAY DECEMBER 23
Naija Jolloff Lounge
6pm, Live music
The Aviary
7:30 pm, Beer and cheer sing-a-long
SUNDAY DECEMBER 24
Stout Irish Pub
Christmas Eve PJ party
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
