CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD
REVIEW
LOCAL NEWS
Hidden Gardens & Private Spaces
Cabbagetown’s Spring garden tour was another successful event. Congrats to the people on the committee - Helen Coltrinari, Sarah McCarten, Steven Boddy, Christina Jackson, Frank Prendergast and Cathy Waiten. They put in an incredible amount of work bringing it all together. The rain threatened in the morning but the day settled into a damp but reasonably comfortable condition through the afternoon. This didn’t deter the visitors. Daniel Bloch estimated that 400 to 450 tickets had been sold by early afternoon and volunteers at the gardens reported a steady stream of visitors. Seven businesses added their sponsorship - Blooming Flower Bar, Hepburn Landscaping, House on Parliament, Joanne Dolan Design, L’Avenue, POA Studio and The Great Mallard. Thanks also to Stout Irish Pub who hosted the party for the volunteers at the end of the day.
Let’s clean up the corner
More local residents are joining the campaign to clean up and cultivate the neglected garden areas at the back of the Esso Station (581 Parliament at Amelia). Chris Hallett and Margaret Coshan have lots of experience with successful community gardens. They take care of the two award-winning boulevards on Prospect Street beside Butter Chicken Factory (560 Parliament) and Luis H Tacos (556 Parliament). They’ve sent letters to Tim Hortons, Esso and Circle K asking for support and Tim’s has already replied helpfully. Another message from them has prompted a visit by City of Toronto Public Health officials but their inspection seems to have been cursory. In addition, Tanya at F’Amelia (12 Amelia) has contacted the City of Toronto and they’re looking at ways to get it cleaned up. Send an email to Chris and Margaret if you’re interested in helping.
Tents in Allan Gardens
Councillor Chris Moise has updated his reports about the encampments in Allan Gardens (Sherbourne and Carlton). The data is current to the end of May. 9 tents remain in the park. 8 people are living there. Five are talking to City officials, two refuse other housing and one has other housing plans. The Dashboard information has been well-received since it gives readers a context for the debates about the tents. Our thanks to Mr Moise for renewing the Dashboard.
Update about tents
The City of Toronto reports that there are 9 tents in Allan Gardens, down from the high of 84 in July 2023. 97 people living in the tents were housed and 320 more were referred to the shelter system. Councillor Moise points out that the numbers fluctuate and he notes a Superior Court ruling that the City has an obligation to provide other housing before people can be removed from the park. On May 31, 26 encampments were removed from the park.
Mainstreet Mosaic Tours - exploring heritage and hubs
The Cabbagetown BIA has developed a free self-directed online walking tour of Cabbagetown’s historic main street. It runs from June 15 to August 15. It’s available through Driftscape. “On this tour, you will uncover the rich history and stories behind our dynamic neighbourhood.” It’s self-paced and takes between 30 minutes to 3 hours. It reveals architectural wonders, a Romanesque revival style church and the Edwin Hough house, the Winchester and other local landmarks, and stately homes and historic insights. Several businesses have special offers only available through Driftscape. To learn about all of these details, click here.
Mainstreet Mosaic Tours - launch party
The tour gets started with a party in Winchester Park (530 Ontario at Prospect) from 6 pm on June 15. There’ll be “sneak peak” walking tours, an historic photo exhibition, dance lessons, face painters, a photo booth, a caricature artist and pop-up food vendors. At 9 pm, there’s a free movie, School of Rock.
Port Lands tour
WaterfrontToronto has published a walking tour (also a good biking tour) through the new Port lands flood protection area. Check out the map for the eight stops that they recommend. There’s also a blog with details about each spot and the noteworthy features.
Scholarship
Tridel and Toronto Community Housing have a scholarship for Regent Park TCHC tenants ages 17 and older. Recipients will get up to $3,000 toward tuition fees and another $500 bursary for expenses like books, transportation and equipment. The application deadline is June 24. For all the details and the application form, click here.
Cabbagetown South community cleaning
Rick Matthews organized a community cleanup day and he reports that it turned into a big success. Four lanes and parts of Sherbourne and Gerrard have been cleared up. He says, “It truly was a great opportunity to come together and celebrate our amazing community.”
Des has another new book
Des Ryan has just finished his fourth book in his Mike O’Shea series. He says, “Blind Spot brings the reader into a world of murder, deceit, and betrayal. No one is left unscathed in this searing police procedural that follows Detective Mike O’Shea, an inner-city cop fighting an uphill battle against crime, corruption, and his own human frailties.” Drop by Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton) next Thursday at 6:30 pm and take part in his official book launch.
Cabbagetown pilates
Cabbagetown Pilates has been gathering for over five years to practise pilates. Meredith Clinton would love to see her community grow. This class is a Level One combination of traditional pilates exercises with physiotherapy exercises, self massage and meditation to provide a unique full body workout that also fosters the mind-body connection. Minimal equipment is required. All ages and experience levels welcome. Classes happen at 9:30 am every Friday on Zoom. $15/class. Send her an email if you’re interested in joining.
Cabbagetown Farmers’ Market
Here's a list of the goodies to expect during June's Market. Along with the fresh veggies and yummy baked goods, Greenpeace set up a tent at the Market to inform and enlist Cabbagetown residents.
Check out the Farmers’ Market Facebook page to see who the vendors will be next week. Riverdale Park West (Sumach and Winchester)
Corktown’s Underpass Farmers’ Market
The Market (29 Lower River) opens very Thursday from 4 to 7:30 pm. There’s an impressive list of vendors offering their stuff - for this week’s updates, click here.
Taste of Regent Park
Fred Victor will organize the Taste of Regent Park through the summer every Wednesday from July 3 to September 4. It’s a fun event and well attended. Vendors and entertainers are invited to apply for a space. If interested, send an email to the organizers.
Fly a flag
Lawrence is currently travelling in Mongolia. He unfurled our Cabbagetown flag in front of a huge statue of Genghis Khan, located about an hour’s drive away from the capital Ulan Bator.
This is the third flag display so far in 2024 - we’ve also seen scenes from Alaska and Portugal. If you’re travelling - to Mississauga or Mongolia, Haliburton or Holland - take along a flag, find a signature spot and wave it proudly. Email us your photo.
COMING EVENTS
Daniels walking tour
Daniels Corporation and the Cabbagetown Preservation Association are scheduling a one-hour free tour of the Regent Park and Cabbagetown area. 1 pm, Saturday June 8. Meet at 500 Dundas E. To register your interest, click here.
Enoch Turner Schoolhouse
On Tuesday June 11, Christopher Hume will give a special lecture at the Schoolhouse Foundation’s Annual General Meeting. His topic is “Toronto: Saving the City from Itself”. The annual meeting starts at 6 pm, refreshments at 6:30 pm and Mr Hume’s talk at 7 pm. Details are online. 106 Trinity.
Cabbagetown Preservation Association
The Cabbagetown Preservation Association is holding its Annual General Meeting at 7 pm on Thursday June 13 in the Meeting House at Riverdale Farm (Sumach and Winchester). This is a lively, effective community group and its meeting should be interesting. The agenda and various documents are available online.
Winchester School - In the Market
Grade 7 and 8 students are showcasing a market full of environmentally and socially responsible businesses that they’ve created. There’ll be food stalls, arts and crafts, up-cycled treasures and special gifts for fathers - all for sale. 10 am to 2:30 pm, June 14, Winchester School (15 Prospect).
Community Music Schools of Toronto
On Saturday June 15, there’ll be a day-long concert at CMST in the Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E). The party celebrates the Schools’ 25th anniversary of helping kids through music. From 1 to 5:30 pm, the free afternoon events include student performances, Spiritwind Women’s Hand Drums, alumni performances and a wrap-up with Jully Black. From 6:30 pm, the gala is a fundraiser with the CBC’s Odario Williams and a cast of special performers, $125. Click here for more info about tickets and program details.
51 Division Open House
Drop by the 51 Division headquarters (51 Parliament) on Saturday June 15 and take a tour. 11 am to 2 pm. It’s a family friendly event. There’ll be station tours, vintage cars, TPS exhibits, snacks and more.
Toronto International Storytelling Festival
The Festival is holding its free Family Storytelling Day in the Regent Park Community Centre on Sunday June 16. It’s part of the city-wide festival that takes place from June 9 to 27. The Regent Park program events include The Teddy Bear’s Picnic at 10:30 am, Stories from Many Lands at 11:30 am, the Musical Story Studio at 1 pm and Jan Blake’s Children’s Stories at 2 pm. Free. More info and registration online here.
Songs from The Journey
A new production celebrating the transformation of Regent Park into a vibrant, thriving community. It highlights favourite music from The Journey that played in the Daniels Spectrum from 2013 to 2018. The show with its powerful blend of narration, spoken word, music and dance shows the profound impact of community involvement in shaping the future of urban spaces. It features a dynamic cast of local performers alongside world-class stars - Trevlyn Kennedy and Stacy Darko will be sharing the stage with Canadian icons Jackie Richardson, Quisha Wint and Gavin Hope as well as Charlotte Siegel from the Canadian Opera Company. Produced by The Daniels Corporation in collaboration with The Royal Conservatory. Koerner Hall (273 Bloor West), 8 pm, June 21. For more info and tickets, click here.
IN THE MEDIA
The Phoenix will be closing
The Phoenix Concert Theatre (410 Sherbourne) has been home to many memorable concerts but after more than thirty years, it’ll be closed on January 15 next year. The Sorbara Group has purchased the property and plans to build a condo there. David Friend has written a Toronto Star story about plans for the final months’ programs. (Photo: Andrew Francis Wallace, Toronto Star)
THEATRE NEWS
Alumnae Theatre presents its annual Big Ideas workshop. Soulpepper is staging Haley McGee’s Age is a Feeling to June 23. A Streetcar Named Desire starts at Soulpepper on June 12 and runs to July 7. Click here for more info and for tickets.
SHOPPING NEWS
Shop2Win
There are two announcements this week. Congrats to Cedric Martin - he won the final prize of $500. His receipt was from Daniel et Daniel (248 Carlton) and they earned $500 as well.
The $1,500 Grand Prize was awarded this week to Catherine Davis for her receipt at Cabbagetown Organics (499 Parliament). If you sent along your receipts but didn’t win, don’t sweat it. At least, all of us had a good time with our local shopping sprees.
Kendall & Co
Find a unique gift for the father figure in your life at Kendall & Co (514 Parliament). From greeting cards, to barware, to recliners, we’ve got you covered this Father’s Day.
RESTAURANT NEWS
Ice cream
Scoops - the ice cream window at Cafe Zuzu (555 Dundas E) is open. Monday and Tuesday, 11 am to 5 pm. Wednesday to Sunday, 11 am to 9 pm.
Free donuts
Mill Street (21 Tank House Lane) is having a good time on Friday - it’s National Donuts Day. Drop by the Brewpub and pick up a free donut.
Fusilli wine tasting - new date
Fusilli's wine tasting was delayed by the late arrival of the wines. It's all set now. There’ll be four wines to taste along with Fusilli’s homemade hors d’oeuvres. The seating will be limited. Please call for a reservation at (416) 214-5148. Wednesday June 12, 7 pm, $70. 531 Queen.
Decoy
On Saturday June 8 from 2 ro 11 pm, Decoy (370 Queen E) will launch its patio bar season. Four DJs will be there - AP, Shadow Brown, Smokescreen and Oakeve. BBQ.
Distillery’s Bourbon Street North
Jazz bands will play in The Distillery’s Trinity Square - every Friday at 4:30 pm and on Saturdays and Sundays at 1 pm and at 4:30 pm. From Monday to Thursday, bands will also appear daily at 1 pm. For the daily schedules, check out the list below in our Weekly Calendar.
WEEKLY CALENDAR - CLUBS & PUBS
THURSDAY JUNE 6 TO SUNDAY JUNE 16
For contact info about these clubs and restaurants, see the list at the bottom of this page.
THURSDAY JUNE 6
Distillery’s Bourbon Street North
1 pm, Berridge Combo
Old Flame Brewery
8 pm, open mic with Landon Doak
FRIDAY JUNE 7
Distillery’s Bourbon Street North
4:30 pm - Trash Panda Band
Alice’s Place
Karaoke night.
Bisou
4 to 8 pm, tapas night
Decoy
10 pm, DJ Charlie Costello
Mill Street
National Donut Day - free donuts
8 pm, Friday nights with Humble Mike
Old Flame Brewery
7 pm, live entertainment
Super Bargain
10 pm, DJ Shamz
The Aviary
Vinyl nights
SATURDAY JUNE 8
Distillery’s Bourbon Street North
1 pm - Kenny Kirkwood Band
5 pm - Serafin Sun
Decoy
2 to 11 pm, patio bar launch with four DJs
Old Flame Brewery
2 pm, live entertainment
SUNDAY JUNE 9
Distillery’s Bourbon Street North
1 pm - Ori Dagan & New Orleans Jazz
4:30 pm - Sing Out Choir
The Aviary
11:30 am and 1 pm, Jazz brunch with a live band
Old Flame Brewery
2 pm, live entertainment
MONDAY JUNE 10
Distillery’s Bourbon Street North
1 pm, Aster Nox
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
TUESDAY JUNE 11
Distillery’s Bourbon Street North
1 pm, The Jazz Collective
The Aviary
7 pm, Bird Brain Trivia
The Golden Pigeon
4 pm, $2 oysters
7 pm, Live music on the patio
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
WEDNESDAY JUNE 12
Distillery’s Bourbon Street North
1 pm, The Townsfolk
The Aviary
7 pm, Euchre Socials
8 pm, Karaoke night
F’Amelia
Wine Wednesday bottles over $100 at half price
Fusilli
7 pm, Wine tasting, $70
Old Flame Brewery
7 pm, Trivia night
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, euchre night
THURSDAY JUNE 13
Distillery’s Bourbon Street North
1 pm, Junestone
Old Flame Brewery
8 pm, open mic with Landon Doak
FRIDAY JUNE 14
Distillery’s Bourbon Street North
4:30 pm - Red Hot Ramble
Alice’s Place
Karaoke night.
Bisou
4 to 8 pm, tapas night
Mill Street
8 pm, Friday nights with Humble Mike
Old Flame Brewery
7 pm, live entertainment
Super Bargain
10 pm, DJ Shamz
SATURDAY JUNE 15
Distillery’s Bourbon Street North
1 pm - Kevin Ray Clark & Bourbon Street 6
4:30 pm - Queen Pepper
Decoy
8:30 pm, DJ Riffinder General, heavy psych, proto-metal and proto-punk
Old Flame Brewery
2 pm, live entertainment
SUNDAY JUNE 16 - FATHER’S DAY
Distillery’s Bourbon Street North
1 pm - Alison Young Jazz Band
4:30 pm - Heavy Weights Brass Band
Golden Pigeon
9:30 pm, Father’s Day Karaoke
Old Flame Brewery
2 pm, live entertainment
The Aviary
11:30 am and 1 pm, Jazz brunch with a live band
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
