CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD
REVIEW
CONGRATS COLIN
Colin Tea lived on Gerrard for several years. His painting of the house at 21 Spruce was a finalist at this year’s Toronto Outdoor Art Fair. As a result, the City purchased it to be included in its fine art collection. Click here to see his website and here to learn details about the City’s collection.
LOCAL NEWS
Jazz and Sydney
After years of preparation and competitions, these two accomplished athletes are going for gold at the Olympics. The Games start next week on July 26. Sydney’s first race in the Women’s Eight boat is a qualifier and it happens at 6 am (Toronto time) on Monday July 29. Jazz will be in her first 800 metre race on Friday August 2 at 1:45 pm (Toronto time). Watch for the CBC’s announcements for more details.Floods on the Don River
Floods on Bayview and the Don Valley Parkway stopped traffic throughout the day on Tuesday. By 5 pm, streets in Cabbagetown were plugged with cars that normally would have used the DVP to get home.
Tuesday’s rain caused closures on the Don Valley Parkway and on Bayview. Some traffic was trapped on the DVP, backing up from Bloor to the flooded zone south of Gerrard.
Cars were stalled in the water itself and fire personnel went into the water to check whether people inside these cars needed help. By Wednesday morning, the DVP was open.
In Cabbagetown, water rose in the bowl at Riverdale Park West. Known to local residents as Lake Riverdale, it persisted through Wednesday. (Photo: Doreen Fumia)
Flood protections
On the lakeshore, the north plug in the new river bed at Villiers Island had not been opened. As Waterfront Toronto’s Facebook page notes, the new route for the river is not designed to ease the floods that happen upriver further north. “The Port Lands Flood Protection project is designed to protect the Port Lands and portions of Leslieville and South Riverdale in a storm even bigger than yesterdays.” (Photo: R J Johnson, Toronto Star)
The huge tunnel being constructed beside the Don will help in the future. When it’s complete, the system will divert heavy flows away from the river and into the tunnels. (Photos: City of Toronto)
For several years, the complicated gate structures at River and at Pottery Road have puzzled drivers along Bayview. They’re automated traffic control systems that block the road in stages, moving cars into turns off Bayview. Councillor Moise’s office reports that the Pottery Road gate didn’t work during the floods on Tuesday because of a power outage. At River Street, the signage associated with the gates worked but the gates themselves weren’t closed.
Karl Jaffary
Mr Jaffary died on July 2 at the age of 88. Together with John Sewell, he was a pioneer in the city’s reform movement. In 1969, they were both elected in Ward 7. As the senior alderman, he sat on both City Council and Metro Council. At that time, the redevelopment of Trefann Court, the extension of the Spadina Expressway and huge developments like St James Town were the focus of reform opposition. He was elected again in 1972 and decided not to continue in 1974. Much of the success of the reform group was built on the ideas and support generated by Mr Jaffary. (Photo: Frank Lennon, Toronto Star, 1970)
Fundraiser for Jason
Jason Speek suffered a massive heart attack on May 8. His doctor has just informed him that he’ll need at least another two months for his recovery. He’s been off work during this time. His earlier fundraiser at GoFundMe raised over $9,500. But he needs to ask for a second round of support. If you can, please use his GoFundMe account.
Progress report about the new gardens
Volunteers at the garden have planted a row of flowers along the front fence. They’ve started to clean up the inside areas, getting rid of the garbage and trimming some of the growth. Circle K staff have been very helpful. The guys who like to sit on the ledge at the front have also started to help. The volunteers meet every Tuesday at 6 pm. Board members at the Cabbagetown Resident Association and the Winchester Park Residents Association have been invited to see the gardens and get an update on the work happening there.
Berkeley Street gardens
(Photo: Life Garden, Louis-Philippe Rochon) Louis-Philippe Rochon has reported about the gardens and landscaping done by neighbours along Berkeley Street. The Legacy Garden was planted in 2015 followed by the Life Garden in 2017, the Martini Garden in 2018, the Duffy Garden in 2021 and the Boboli Garden in 2023. And gardens were planted along Callaghan, Calgie and Drovers lanes in 2020 and then a vegetable garden was developed at Lord Dufferin School to welcome the kids back from Covid.
(Photo: Boboli Garden, Louis-Philippe Rochon) All of this work was undertaken by a group of volunteers spearheaded by Maggie de Bruyne and Louis-Phillipe. The City of Toronto supplied plants. Lord Dufferin’s staff and students pitched in. Local artists painted the background images.
(Photo: Martini Garden, Louis-Philippe Rochon) Congrats everyone - the project has been widely enjoyed.
Cabbagetown Farmers’ Market
Despite the rain on Tuesday, many vendors managed to defeat the traffic jams and road closures. Organizers estimate that 600 people came by. Check out the Market’s Facebook page to see the weekly updates and news. Riverdale Park West (Sumach and Winchester) (Photo: Cabbagetown Farmers Market)
Corktown’s Underpass Farmers’ Market
The market (29 Lower River) opens very Thursday from 4 to 7:30 pm. This week, an impressive list of over forty vendors were offering their stuff. For this week’s updates, click here.
COMING EVENTS
Soulpepper’s movie night
Tuesday July 23, doors open at 7 pm, screening at 7:30 pm. The movie is Something You Said Last Night. Free admission, discount beer and wine available. 50 Tank House Lane, Distillery
Taste of Regent Park
On Wednesday, Friends of Regent Park cooked up Mac ’n Cheese and served non-alcoholic cocktails from Zero Cocktail Bar (223 Carlton). It’s all part of the weekly market in the Big Park (Dundas & Sumach). Every Wednesday evening, 5 to 8 pm. Enjoy local vendors, healthy foods, entertainment and cultural food vendors. Watch out, as well, for the outdoor movies following the market.
Under the Stars
These are the outdoor night-time movies presented along with Taste of Regent Park. Next Wednesday’s feature is Crooklyn. The pre-show entertainment starts at 7:30 pm and the movie will start around 9 pm. If it rains, the movie will be shown in the Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E). Free - your donations are welcome. For more info about the film, click here.
Toronto Outdoor Picture Show
At Corktown Common (155 Bayview at Mill Street). Movies will be screened from Thursday July 11 to Thursday August 1. Eats and treats happen at 7 pm and the movie is screened at sundown, about 9 pm. Each film is accompanied by a short film. On July 18, it’s Chungking Express and the short films are A Hundred Joys and She Stoops to Conquer. Click here for online info.
Lavazza Inclucity Festival
Back for another season, The Distillery becomes an outdoor theatre until July 21. It’s an international event showcasing films representing Canada’s rich cultural mosaic. Immerse yourself in a Festival Village offering various art forms, including music, dance, gastronomy, tours, and much more. With your ticket, you get full access to festival events, tasting samples and movie screenings. The program changes daily - click here for the schedule and ticket prices.
IN THE MEDIA
ODSP thefts
Two men were arrested and charged with the theft of funds from Ontario Disability Support Program clients. One man was still at large on July 14. The arrest happened after police conducted searches in the Wellesley Parliament area. CityNews carried this story on July 14. Police have expressed concern that there may be more victims and have asked the public to contact them at (416) 808-5100 or Crime Stoppers at www.222tips.com
SHOPPING NEWS
Welcome ZERO Cocktail Bar
Drop in to this new store (223 Carlton) and find out about zero-proof cocktails. They’re open Tuesday to Thursday from 11 am to 9 pm, Friday and Saturday from 10 am to 10 pm and Sunday from 11 am to 8 pm. And watch for their events - they’ve already held a class on making zero-proof cocktails and there’ll be more to come.
Kendall & Co
Kendall & Co celebrates the fearless use of colour in interior design as this chair demonstrates. Check out their Instagram page.
Cultural bazaar
Every Friday from 3 to 8 pm until September 6, there’ll be a cultural shopping experience on Regent Park Boulevard. Local crafts, henna, jewellery, clothes and food.
RESTAURANT NEWS
Kush Kush Hota Hai
Spiritleaf Cannabis (238 Carlton) presents a night of Desi comedy with four seasoned headliners who have performed across North America. Jesse Singh is the host. Entertainers include Xulf Ali, Saumya Pahwa, Sunny Diwanaa and Rahul Topiwala. Friday July 19, 9 pm. Tickets are $20, available at Eventrite.
Yummy
It’s time to salute our tiny but spectacular restaurants. Whenever they’re listed here, it’ll be because they’re very high on the enjoyable scale and they deserve your attention.
This week, it’s Ju Sushi & Bar (383 Dundas E). Monika reports on Facebook that “there is a fantastic family owned sushi restaurant (Ju Sushi & Bar). The atmosphere, portions and food (were) amazing… Also there is a cute backyard patio!! We didn’t end up taking any pictures of the food as it was too good! We wanted to recommend this restaurant to everyone! Hope you’ll love it as much as we did.” Open from 5 pm to 1 am from Monday to Thursday, 5 pm to 2 am Friday, 2 pm to 2 am Saturday and 2 pm to midnight on Sunday. Check out the details online.
Fusilli
Enjoy a free sampling of Sicilian wine with your meal. Friday July 19, 7 to pm. 531 Queen E
Cafe Zuzu
Cafe Zuzu (555 Dundas E) and Seth Taylor Coffee have organized this tasting of the 2024 Pride of Gesha coffees. There will be four sessions covering the 27 lots of these coffees. Two sessions on Monday July 22 - 1 pm and 3 pm. Two more sessions on Tuesday July 23 - 1 pm and 3 pm. Each session is $10.
Off premise sales
Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton) is selling wine, some liquors and beer at reasonable prices: White wines -$25, red wines- $30, all Tall Boy cans - $5, 750 ml Dillons Gin- $50 and 750 ml Dillons Vodka- $50. House on Parliament has a list of its offerings on its menu: red wine, take off $15 from the menu price. Beer, take off $2. Liquors, enquire about their by-the-bottle pricing.
The final weekend for Summerlicious
The big restaurant event ends this week on Sunday July 21. The local restaurants are listed below - check out the lists of participating restaurants, price ranges, contact info and more - click here.
Biagio (155 King E) - $48 lunch, $65 dinner
Blake House (449 Jarvis) - $34 lunch, $45 dinner
Butter Chicken Factory (560 Parliament) - $27 lunch, $35 dinner
Cafe Zuzu (555 Dundas E) - $27 lunch, $35 dinner
Chef’s House (215 King E) - $27 lunch, $35 dinner
Cluny (35 Tank House Lane, Distillery) - $41 lunch, $55 dinner
Dia Restaurant & Lounge (387 Bloor E) - $41 lunch, $55 dinner
F’Amelia (12 Amelia) - $55 dinner
Maison Selby (592 Sherbourne) - $48 lunch, $65 dinner
Mengrai Thai (82 Ontario) - $35 dinner
Pure Spirits (17 Tank House Lane, Distillery) - $41 lunch, $55 dinner
WEEKLY CALENDAR - CLUBS & PUBS
THURSDAY JULY 18 TO SUNDAY JULY 28
For contact info about these clubs and restaurants, see the list at the bottom of this page.
THURSDAY JULY 18
Distillery Sounds of Toronto
2 to 6 pm, Chris Bottomley Group
Decoy
9 pm, DJ Record Detective
Old Flame Brewery
8 pm, open mic with City Love and Tito’s bbq
FRIDAY JULY 19
Distillery Sounds of Toronto
2 to 6 pm, Chris Bottomley Group
Alice’s Place
Karaoke night.
Bisou
4 to 8 pm, tapas night
Decoy
10 pm, DJ Double Denim
Fusilli
7 pm, Free Sicilian wine tasting with your meal.
Mill Street
8 pm, Friday nights with Humble Mike
Old Flame Brewery
8 pm, Chicken & Waffles
Super Bargain
10 pm, DJ Shamz
The Aviary
Bring your own vinyl nights
SATURDAY JULY 20
Distillery Sounds of Toronto
2 to 6 pm, Chris Bottomley Group
Decoy
3 pm, Chewie’s 40th birthday bash with 60 Box, Forming and DJ Hayden
Old Flame Brewery
2 pm, live entertainment by Mark Villamore with Tito’s BBQ
8 pm, DJ KC Decker
Wing House
5 to 7:30 pm, Michael Caplan’s Porch Songs
SUNDAY JULY 21
Summerlicious ends tonight
Distillery Sounds of Toronto
2 to 6 pm, Chris Bottomley Group
Old Flame Brewery
2 pm, live entertainment with Jordan Arnott
The Aviary
11:30 am and 1 pm, Jazz brunch with a live band
Super Bargain
3 pm, Paint Nite, $45
MONDAY JULY 22
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
TUESDAY JULY 23
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 JULY 24
The Aviary
8 pm, Karaoke night
F’Amelia
Wine Wednesday bottles over $100 at half price
Old Flame Brewery
6:30 pm, Trivia night with Family Eats
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, euchre night
THURSDAY JULY 25
Old Flame Brewery
8 pm, open mic with City Love and Tito’s BBQ
FRIDAY JULY 26
Alice’s Place
Karaoke night.
Bisou
4 to 8 pm, tapas night
Decoy
10 pm, DJ Oakeve
Mill Street
8 pm, Friday nights with Humble Mike
Old Flame Brewery
7 pm, Jay Blues Trio with Gangster Cheese
Super Bargain
10 pm, DJ Shamz
SATURDAY JULY 27
Decoy
10 pm, DJ olasconola
Wing House
5 to 7:30 pm, Michael Caplan’s Porch Songs
SUNDAY JULY 28
The Aviary
11:30 am and 1 pm, Jazz brunch with a live band
Decoy
LAL Remix project
Old Flame Brewery
2 to 6 pm, Christmas in July with Sarah Fazackerley
Super Bargain
3 pm, Paint Nite, $45
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
