CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD
REVIEW
A PERSONAL OPINION
Safe Injection Sites
The Ford government has closed safe injection sites that are located within 200m of schools and daycares. In our area, the clinic at Regent Park Health Community Centre (465 Dundas E) is a casualty of this sudden edict. That’s really too bad. It’s an ideal location - it's in the east end of the building shown in the photo. It’s in a health-related institution with trained medical staff nearby. It’s a long way away from homes. Both Lord Dufferin School and Nelson Mandela Park School may be technically nearby but both are, in fact, a long distance away. Providing lifesaving emergency care is a vital part of the struggle against these deadly drugs. This site needs to be saved. The CBC ran a story about the closures with details from several points of view.
CABBAGETOWN FESTIVAL EARLY NEWS
Cabbagetown Art & Crafts Show
The sign is up in Riverdale Park. Thanks go to Michael Hepburn and his guys at Hepburn Landscape Contractors for their help with it. There’ll be 170 exhibitors in a dozen categories at this year’s show. Check out the website for their details. It all starts in two weeks on Friday September 6 at 1 pm. And don’t forget - volunteers are needed to help on Friday to Sunday September 8. If you want to be a part of the show, email Gerald FitzGerald with your contact info. (Photo: Gerald FitzGerald)
Cabbagetown Short Film Festival
Gina has collected films for the Festival from Canada, Norway, Netherlands, Palestine, Spain, Turkey, Ireland and Switzerland. The gala happens on Wednesday September 4 at the Winchester Street Theatre (80 Winchester). Tickets are now on sale - for the live screening event on September 4, $20. If you prefer to watch it online, the virtual event happens from September 5 to September 7, $15.
Cabbagetown Festival
The big street festival on Saturday September 7 from 11 am to 8 pm and Sunday September 8 from 11 am to 7 pm. There’ll be exotic and delicious food, live entertainment, DJs, a big kids’ zone, 250 vendors and artisans. Details are available online.
Blair’s Run
Sunday September 8 from the corner of Carlton and Parliament. The run is great fun - take along your neighbours, your kids, your dog and even your spouse. Teams are forming so sign up now. Go to the website or watch for a flyer in your mailbox. It’s a fundraiser for the BGC Toronto Kiwanis (101 Spruce) - including the Cabbagetown Youth Centre (2 Lancaster). Volunteer teams will cover their streets getting donations - last year, over $53,000 was raised. There’s an online registration page.
St James Town Festival
Vendors and volunteers are invited to join the Festival. It takes place on Saturday September 7 from 1 to 7 pm in the green space north of Wellesley and Ontario. If you’re interested, send an email to the organizers.
Riverdale Farm
The Fall Festival takes place at the same time as the Art & Crafts Show - 10 am to 3 pm on Saturday September 7 and 9 am to 3 pm on Sunday. There’ll be farm demonstrations with goats and sheep, corn roasts and a pancake breakfast. There’ll be games for kids, face painting and hog and chicken calling. Line dancing and corn shucking. Riverdale Farm, Winchester & Sumach.
LOCAL NEWS
U Haul trucks
Paul Dineen wrote to the City’s Parking Enforcement staff about these trucks after he found the Habitual Offender Program from February 20, 2014. His comments have sparked action. Chris Butterfield from the Parking Enforcement Unit at 51 Division is checking out Paul’s information. In the meantime, they’ve met the U Haul management (456 Parliament) and stressed that they would begin towing the trucks for any bylaw infraction. As a result, the company is now parking in its private lot behind the store. Chris wants reports from anyone who sees these trucks parked improperly.
Update about the Esso gardens
Circle K, the property owner at the gardens (Amelia & Parliament), sent along a landscaping crew who cleaned out the dead trees. Chris and Margaret trimmed off the low hanging branches. As a result, the sight lines are now cleaner and the rough work is almost finished. They hope to have it in shape for the Festival weekend. They’ll be setting up tables at the site during the Festival so people can tell them their ideas about the final designs. Anyone who wants to send photos of their ideas is welcome to do so and these will be displayed at the Festival. If you have a suggestion about the possible uses for the gardens, send an email to Chris. It’s time now to start thinking.
Raffle for Green Thumbs Growing Kids
The Cabbagetown Farmers Market is holding a raffle to support Green Thumbs Growing Kids. It’s a celebration of GTGK’s twenty fifth anniversary as a garden activity for school kids. Tickets are $5 or five for $20. The first prize is a $300 shopping voucher from the Market. There will be two second prizes of $200 and three $100 third prizes. The raffle is running until September 24 - tickets are available at the Market’s official tent (Riverdale Park West, Sumach at Winchester).
The Fair Share Market
Dixon Hall’s Fair Share Market is an affordable farmers’ market with seasonal local produce as well as imported staples. Choose an assortment of pre-selected produce and pay what you can. Pay the $5 minimum or the $20 market rate. There’ll also be entertainment, hot food and refreshments. The next one happens on Thursday August 29 from 3 pm. Outdoors at 190 Carlton and indoors at 188 Carlton.
Cabbagetown Farmers’ Market
It’s the peak season at the Market for the best local produce. All the vendors have an incredible selection of fresh fruit and produce. 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.
Mainstreet Mosaic
The Cabbagetown BIA’s free walking tour - available on its app - has been extended to the end of the year. It’s been hailed as a nifty way to learn about our main street and its history. The BIA wants your feedback. Complete the five-minute survey and get a chance to win a $100 gift card.
YOUR ANNOUNCEMENTS
Subscribe to The Pathfinder
Ron Hume writes about life experiences and passes along insights from other highly successful seniors. On his website, he says, “ (it’s) practical guidance to help you make the right decisions at critical points in your life, avoiding potholes and danger areas along the way.” Here’s a sample from his latest edition where he focuses on recovering from life’s disasters. Beth Kaplan commented to him, “Terrific, Ron! That’s it - your personal story tells us so much. Powerful and moving. Bravo.” And Lee Glanz from New York City wrote, "Thanks again Ron for sharing your life experiences. Many words of wisdom that are very helpful.” His highly successful Pathfinder now has over 8000 subscribers. Find out more and subscribe - click here.
COMING EVENTS
Tales of the Necropolis
Gilles Huot is guiding this one-hour tour of the Necropolis on Tuesday August 27 at 4 pm and at 5:30 pm. It’s part of a summer project by Heritage Toronto - check out their booth at the Cabbagetown Farmers Market (Riverdale Park West, Sumach and Winchester). Free.
Danny Marks at the CNE
Danny will be performing at The Beach Bar on Thursday August 22 at 8 pm. It’s located outside, south of the Horse Palace. He reminisces that he was the first singer to do “Let’s Go to the Ex”
Rastafest Regent Park
It’s a celebration of Rastafari and Reggae culture. There’ll be live music by Jay Douglas, Nan McLean, Otis Gale, Shanty Sweets and Gavin Williamson. DJs Chocolate and Black Heart Iniversal will provide the music. Saturday September 7. From 1 to 5 pm, there’ll be family-friendly activities for kids and youth along with food and crab vendors. Concerts will then start at 6 pm and go to 11 pm. Thanks to the Daniels Corporation for their sponsorship. Big Park (620 Dundas E).
Muddy Mornings
Drop in to Allan Gardens every Monday morning in August for a family event for your kids ages 3 to 8. Learning stations will highlight agriculture and nature. 10:30 am to 12:30 pm in the Children’s Conservatory & Edible Garden (19 Horticultural Ave). PWYC - suggested donation $5 per child.
Picks & Bricks Country Festival
The Distillery’s big country festival. There’s live music every day. Special events include doggie dress-up contests (every Tuesday from 7 to 9 pm), specialty foods (in the Pure Spirits Saloon and the Trinity Food Truck), roping cattle contests (Thursdays from 7 to 9 pm), mechanical bull riding (Thursdays from noon to 8 pm) and line dancing (Fridays from 7 to 9 pm). And don’t miss Whisky Wednesdays and the best pie contest. Events will continue to Monday September 2. It’s all free. For more info, click here.
Taste of Regent Park
The weekly market in the Big Park (Dundas & Sumach). Every Wednesday evening, 5 to 8 pm until September 4. Enjoy local vendors, healthy foods, entertainment and cultural food vendors
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.
THEATRE NEWS
In My Own Little Corner is on stage now at Native Earth (585 Dundas). Alumnae Theatre, Canadian Stage, Citadel, Soulpepper and Native Earth all have new productions arriving in September. Click here to find the links.
SHOPPING NEWS
Beading workshop
Timeless Collective (574 Parliament) is hosting Lala with a beading workshop. Every Saturday in August from 10 am to noon. It’s great for kids ages 5 to 12. Send an email to Lala to register.
Kendall & Co
Looking for a new rug but not sure where to start? Click here and let Kendall & Co. be your guide. 514 Parliament.
RESTAURANT NEWS
Bisou anniversary
Congrats to Bisou (350 Berkeley at Gerrard) on their second anniversary.
Queer East Social
Cafe Zuzu (555 Dundas E) is hosting QES on Thursday August 22 from 6 pm. Special guests, electrifying performances, and a live DJ spinning the best tracks to keep the good vibes going. Food, drinks, and all the joy you can imagine await—don’t miss out.
YUMMY
It’s time to salute some of our spectacular restaurants. Whenever they’re listed here, it’ll be because they’re very high on the enjoyable scale and they deserve your attention.
Kingyo (51B Winchester) serves up delicious Japanese foods. This comment has appeared regularly online and it was worth investigating personally. So my friend Ron and I had lunch there and we both enjoyed the salmon lover’s plate. We also enjoyed the happy company of Bev and Matina who wandered in while we were eating. Hana was our server - an informative, cheery person. Very comfy, interesting food, good place for a relaxed, sociable meal.
Mocktail class
ZERO Cocktail Bar (223 Carlton) is holding a kids’ class. Chef Aye will teach them how to mix up two cocktails while having fun in the kitchen. 3pm, Saturday August 31. Spots are limited - reserve yours online. $25
DOVA
Sadly, DOVA (229 Carlton) has definitely closed. Jacqueline and Roberto have posted online that “We want to express our deepest gratitude to all of you who have been part of our journey for the past 4 years. Your support has meant the world to us since day one.” The space has been taken over by Mikaku Udon Bar, a Japanese udon restaurant. The front windows are now covered with brown paper as renovations happen inside - the target for its opening is September 1. It’s a very popular spot in its current location. blogTO did an article about its menu.
WEEKLY CALENDAR - CLUBS & PUBS
THURSDAY AUGUST 22 TO SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 1
For contact info about these clubs and restaurants, see the list at the bottom of this page.
THURSDAY AUGUST 22
Distillery Picks & Bricks
3 pm, Live music
Noon to 8 pm, Mechanical bull riding
7 pm, Roping cattle contest
Cafe Zuzu
6 pm, Queer East Social
Old Flame Brewery
7 pm, open mic with City Love and Tito’s BBQ
FRIDAY AUGUST 23
Distillery Picks & Bricks
3 pm, Live music
7 pm, Line dancing lessons
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, live entertainment with Mark Villamor
Super Bargain
10 pm, DJ Shamz
SATURDAY AUGUST 24
Distillery Picks & Bricks
1 pm, Live music
5 pm, Live music
Wing House
5 to 7:30 pm, Michael Caplan’s Porch Songs
Old Flame Brewery
2 pm, Jordan Arnott
SUNDAY AUGUST 25
Distillery Picks & Bricks
1 pm, Live music
5 pm, Live music
The Aviary
11:30 am and 1 pm, Jazz brunch with a live band
Super Bargain
3 pm, Paint nite, “Take me away”
MONDAY AUGUST 26
Distillery Picks & Bricks
3 pm, Live music
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
TUESDAY AUGUST 27
Distillery Picks & Bricks
3 pm, Live music
7 pm, Doggie dress-up
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 AUGUST 28
Distillery Picks & Bricks
Noon - I Love to Sing for kids
3 pm, Live music
7 pm, Whisky Wednesday
F’Amelia
Wine Wednesday bottles over $100 at half price
Golden Pigeon
8 pm, Summer trivia with Rachelle Lauzon
Old Flame Brewery
6:30 pm, Trivia night with District Pizza
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, euchre night
The Aviary
8 pm, karaoke and wing Wednesday
THURSDAY AUGUST 29
Distillery Picks & Bricks
3 pm, Live music
Noon to 8 pm, Mechanical bull riding
7 pm, Roping cattle contest
Old Flame Brewery
7 pm, City Love open mic and Tito’s bbq
FRIDAY AUGUST 30
Distillery Picks & Bricks
3 pm, Live music
7 pm, Line dancing lessons
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, Sarah Fazakerley
Super Bargain
10 pm, DJ Shamz
The Aviary
Vinyl night
SATURDAY AUGUST 31
Distillery Picks & Bricks
1 pm, Live music with Big Tobacco & The Pickers
5 pm, Live music with Colonel Tom Parker & The American Pour
4 pm, Best pie contest
Old Flame Brewery
2 pm, live entertainment with Mark Villamor
Wing House
5 to 7:30 pm, Michael Caplan’s Porch Songs
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 1
Distillery Picks & Bricks
1 pm, Live music with Stardust Duo
4 pm, Live music with The Odd Country
Decoy
2 pm, Soulful Sunday - multi genre vinyl DJ lineup
Old Flame Brewery
2 pm, live entertainment with Mekeli Villamor
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
