CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD
REVIEW
FEATURED ARTIST
Betty White
My Roots are My Branches, 32” by 40”, mixed media/collage, chalk paste, pencil, birch bark on bark paper. Betty White has been an artist in Cabbagetown since 1984. She’s exhibited in Montreal, Toronto, United States, France and Mexico. Her work is in collections at The Art Bank, TMU (Ryerson University) and Reader’s Digest, and in private collections around the world. She apprenticed with Brazilian artist, Olly Reinheimer in Rio de Janeiro, and has taken private studies with conservator Andrzej Ornoch. She was a teacher at Montcrest School for 28 years.
A PERSONAL VIEW
When I stopped buying lottery tickets a couple of years ago, I thought I’d kicked the habit. Now, along comes the Cabbagetown BIA with its SHOP2WIN lottery. Every week through May, there’s a chance to win $500 for yourself and another $500 for your favourite retailer. Plus your ticket automatically goes into the grand finale $1500 draw. So I did it and I’m delighted to report that it’s really easy. I’m addicted once again.
LOCAL NEWS
Big events in May
The Forsythia Festival is almost here - Sunday May 5. It’s our official launch into Spring. It starts at Riverdale Park West (Sumach and Winchester) with a parade that winds through Cabbagetown streets and ends at Wellesley Park (east end of Wellesley).
The Cabbagetown Farmers Market starts up in Riverdale Park West (Sumach and Winchester) on Tuesday May 14 from 3 pm. It operates every Tuesday afternoon until October.
Underpass Farmers Market (29 Lower River) starts on May 23 at 4 pm and continues every Thursday.
Hidden Gardens & Private Spaces on Sunday June 2 is the Cabbagetown garden tour.
Community cleaning
Saturday April 20 was a busy day. People went out and cleaned our streets everywhere. Ruth, Kath and Deb swept the area around Wellesley and Parliament - a tough one to tackle. Congrats to everyone who chipped in - Corktown, Canary District, Cabbagetown South, Regent Park, Aberdeen Avenue and more.
Sir Andrew Davis
Sir Andrew Davis returned to Cabbagetown in May, 2017 when a laneway was named in his honour. He had lived in a nearby Rose Avenue house for ten years earlier in his life. Barbara Hall and the late Pam McConnell were on hand to congratulate him. Back then, the Cabbagetown Residents Association posted an amusing video showing a minor glitch during the ceremony. Sir Andrew died on April 20. He was 80 years old. The CBC was one of many media to publish his obituary.
Garbage at the gas station
Paul, a neighbour on Amelia Street next to the Esso station (581 Parliament), has sent serious complaints to the police, the City and local associations. He’s angered by the rat infestation, the garbage and the poor repair of the garden fencing. He’s seen an individual living in the garden. He claims that garbage from the gas station has been dumped on his front porch. He’s also complained about the poor snow clearing during the winter - a perennial problem with the gas station management. He’s not alone. For years, other Amelia residents have complained about the snow clearing. Neighbours on Prospect Street also have concerns about the garbage and deplorable condition of the gardens.
NDP nomination meeting
The next federal election, scheduled for October 2025, is starting to heat-up here in Toronto Centre. The NDP will select its candidate at a May 4 meeting. Two people are competing for the job - Brian Chang and Samantha Green. The two candidates will go at each other in a virtual debate on Monday April 29 at 6:30 pm. Register here to see the debate on Zoom.
Villiers Island update
Villiers is the new island that’s been formed at the mouth of the new Don River. Its 240 hectares include new land that’ll be open for development along with new parks and green spaces. Waterfront Toronto is now confirming plans for the density and mix of these future developments. A drop-in will be held on Thursday May 2 from 7 to 8:30 pm to display the current plans and answer questions. 251 Queens Quay, side door.
Alcohol in parks
City Council has voted to allow alcohol consumption as a permanent feature in parks across Toronto. It’s an expansion of the pilot program that ran last summer up to April 2024. No difficulties were found by Parks officials or local residents. In our area, three parks had a green light last year - Riverdale Park East, Corktown Common and Underpass Park. The final list of approved locations will be published soon.
Sword Street in bloom
Residents along Sword Street have filled their front yards and sidewalk boulevards with tulips, daffodils and other Spring blooms, It’s a beautiful sight.
All the babies have arrived
Riverdale Farm (Winchester east of Sumach) invites you to tour the barns and see the babies - the lambs and goats are all here.
YOUR ANNOUNCEMENTS
Lactation consultant
Taya Griffin always knew that she wanted to work with babies. After switching from a business career, she studied and interned at the Newman Breastfeeding Clinic before venturing into private practice. She loves home visits - this is where she can truly help parents establish a joyful feeding experience. She can also be found in the Kidcrew Lactation Clinic (Bathurst and St. Clair) and she sees mothers online for free (completely OHIP covered) via Kids Corner Lactation Clinic. She wants to help nursing parents reach their own unique feeding goals so they can remember their little one’s baby-hood with joy! Taya can be reached via her website.
Clothing drive
Linda Sims’ clothing drives in the winter are very successful. She’s now doing a Spring appeal for warm weather clothing. Your gifts go to New Circles to help immigrants and people in need. Email her to arrange a pick-up or to answer your questions.
COMING EVENTS
Green Thumbs Growing Kids
GTGK is hosting a Spring event in the Conservatory at Allan Gardens (160 Gerrard E) on Sunday April 28 from 1 to 4 pm. There’ll be a plant sale, face painting and a silent auction.
New programs at The Vibrational Apothecary
Anna Meinikoff is hosting a series on Sacred Plant Medicine on Monday evenings. April 29 is an information and Q & A session about integration and its importance and the treatments possible with sacred plants. On May 6, she’s offering active meditation for beginners. On May 13, an open drum circle will cultivate embodiment and presence for beginners. May 20 is about shamanic journeying as a healing meditative experience with shamanic drumming. The topic on May 27 is metaphysics and vibrational healing for beginners. On June 3, it’s a community integration circle. Please arrive a few minutes early - starting time is 7 pm. All are welcome at 243 Gerrard E, PWYC with a suggested donation of $20.
AI and the Future of Education
This is a two-part series sponsored by the Enoch Turner Schoolhouse (106 Trinity). The first panel at 7 pm on May 1 covers AI and the K to 12 grades. The second one on May 8 discusses AI and post-secondary education. Check out the programs and participants online here.
Cabbagetown South Association
The Annual Meeting for the Association has been rescheduled to Wednesday May 29 at 6:30 pm in Central Neighbourhood House (349 Ontario). Councillor Chris Moise will be there as a guest speaker. Click here for more info.
Spring plant sale
The Friends of Allan Gardens are hosting a plant sale on Saturday May 4 from noon to 4 pm. It’s a fundraiser for the Friends. You’ll find native plants, veggies, house plants and more. There’ll be several vendors at the sale. Bring a bag for your purchases. Conservatory (160 Gerrard E).
Gardens needed
The Cabbagetown garden tour happens on Sunday June 2. Organizers are looking for gardens to include on the tour. You can nominate a neighbour or offer your own. If you’re interested, click on this link and complete the form.
Early bird notice
The 7th annual Dixonlicious is here and you won’t want to miss it. June 6, 6 to 9 pm at the Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E). It’s a fundraiser to support the food programs offered by Dixon Hall. Your ticket helps to pay for 30,000 meals for people in need. You’ll have a great evening with wine, food from local restaurants and craft breweries and a silent and live auction. Tickets are $85 to May 15 and $100 after that - and you’ll get a tax receipt covering 70% of your ticket price. Click here for more info.
SHOPPING NEWS
Reupholstery by Kendall & Co
Kendall (514 Parliament) has long offered an expert reupholstery service. They’ll do your beloved heirloom in your personal style.
https://kendallandco.ca/pages/reupholstery
Shoplifting at the LCBO
Shoplifting has been a longstanding problem at LCBO stores, including ours (512 Parliament). In the end, it’s an extra expense for all of us. The corporation is asking everyone to stay away from shoplifters when they see this happening. This request comes after a dramatic video was posted on X showing a fight in an Etobicoke store.
THEATRE NEWS
New productions in our theatres
Soulpepper’s A Public Reading of an Unproduced Screenplay about the Death of Walt Disney continues to May 5. J Kelly Nestruck wrote a very positive review in the Globe & Mail about the play and its performance. From April 24, Alumnae Theatre is staging its 36th edition of the New Ideas Festival - four new one-act plays. At Canadian Stage, there’s a one-day reading of Nucleus: a dreamscape odyssey on April 29 followed on May 2 to 4 with a double bill dance presentation by dance Immersion. Citadel & Compagnie is staging Living Dances, three pieces by James Kudalka from May 8 to 18. Click here for links and more info.
RESTAURANT NEWS
Winemaker’s Dinner
F’Amelia is holding a winemaker’s dinner from 6 to 8 pm on Tuesday May 7. It’s a five-course meal with wine pairings featuring Javier Pedrazzini of Tenuta Monteti. Seating will be limited. Reservations close on May 5. Click here to RSVP. $150 per person.
The Vibrational Apothecary
Comedy night hosted by Peter Saran and featuring six guest comedians. $20 advance tickets, $25 at the door. 8 pm, Saturday April 27, 243 Gerrard E. For tickets, click here.
Raclette at Bisou
The last raclette of the season. DJ SS. Saturday April 27, 4 to 9 pm. Bisou (350 Berkeley)
WEEKLY CALENDAR - CLUBS & PUBS
THURSDAY APRIL 25 TO SUNDAY MAY 5
For contact info about these clubs and restaurants, see the list at the bottom of this page.
THURSDAY APRIL 25
Old Flame Brewery
8 pm, open mic with Landon Doak
FRIDAY APRIL 26
Alice’s Place
Karaoke night.
Bisou
4 to 8 pm, tapas night
Decoy Bar
10 pm - DJ Oakeve
Old Flame Brewery
7 pm, live entertainment
Super Bargain
10 pm, DJ Shamz
SATURDAY APRIL 27
The Vibrational Apothecary
8 pm, So you think psychedelics are funny, OK Shroomer.
Bisou
4 pm, Raclette on a wheel with DJ SS
Distillery Breakfast Tour
9:30 am - coffee, tea, breakfast sandwiches and guided tour, $49
Old Flame Brewery
2 pm, live entertainment
SUNDAY APRIL 28
Distillery Breakfast Tour
9:30 am - coffee, tea, breakfast sandwiches and guided tour, $49
The Aviary
11:30 am and 1 pm, Jazz brunch wth a live band
Old Flame Brewery
2 pm, live entertainment
MONDAY APRIL 29
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
TUESDAY APRIL 30
The Aviary
7 pm, Bird Brain Trivia
The Golden Pigeon
4 pm, $2 oysters
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
WEDNESDAY MAY 1
The Aviary
7 pm, Euchre Socials
8 pm, Karaoke night
F’Amelia
Wine Wednesday bottles over $100 at half price
The Golden Pigeon
8 pm, Spring Trivia
Old Flame Brewery
7 pm, Trivia night
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, euchre night
THURSDAY MAY 2
Old Flame Brewery
8 pm, open mic with Landon Doak
FRIDAY MAY 3
Alice’s Place
Karaoke night.
Bisou
4 to 8 pm, tapas night
Decoy Bar
10 pm - DJ Chalie Costello
Old Flame Brewery
7 pm, live entertainment
Super Bargain
10 pm, DJ Shamz
The Aviary
Vinyl Night
SATURDAY MAY 4
Distillery Breakfast Tour
9:30 am - coffee, tea, breakfast sandwiches and guided tour, $49
Decoy Bar
10 pm - Heavy on the wax with DJ Uptempo
Old Flame Brewery
2 pm, live entertainment
SUNDAY MAY 5
Distillery Breakfast Tour
9:30 am - coffee, tea, breakfast sandwiches and guided tour, $49
The Aviary
11:30 am and 1 pm, Jazz brunch wth a live band
Old Flame Brewery
2 pm, live entertainment
CONTACT INFO
Alice’s Place - 554 Parliament
Aviary - 484 Front East
Bisou - 350 Berkeley (at Gerrard)
The Vibrational Apothecary - 243 Gerrard E
Cranberries - 601 Parliament
Decoy Bar - 370 Queen E
Distillery - Mill Street and Parliament
El Catrin - 18 Tank House Lane, Distillery
Golden Pigeon - 424 Parliament
House on Parliament - 454 Parliament
Johnny G’s - 478 Parliament
Keating Channel - 2 Villiers St
La Gloria Mexican Coffee - 453 Parliament
Mill Street Brew Pub - 21 Tank House Lane, Distillery
NJ Lounge - 507 Parliament
Old Flame Brewery- 45 Tank House Lane, Distillery
Playground - 492 Parliament
Stout Irish Pub - 221 Carlton
Super Bargain - 441 Parliament
Wing House - 420 Parliament
