CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD
REVIEW
LOCAL NEWS
Food distribution
Community Matters Toronto together with the Cabbagetown Youth Centre is running a successful food distribution system on Fridays. It’s done in partnership with Building Roots who supply fresh veggies and foodstuffs and it’s aimed at isolated and vulnerable seniors. For more information, call Hadiya at (416) 944-9697.
Kathy needs our help
Last week, we described the fundraiser to help Kathy - she’s been diagnosed with lung cancer and she’s in a clinical trial at Princess Margaret. She’s currently on an unpaid leave from her job at Cranberries. She needs our help with the costs of medication, transportation to and from the hospital, daily expenses and more. Donations may be made to her by email - kathy.11comeau@gmail.com. Cranberries Restaurant has also started a gift box to receive cheques and cash donations.
Save your spot now
The New Roots Dinner series is back. It’s Daniel et Daniel’s (248 Carlton) contribution to Green Thumbs Growing Kids. This year’s dinner - the first in five years - celebrates GTGK’s 25 anniversary. It happens at Riverdale Farm (Winchester and Sumach) on Tuesday October 22. The past dinners have been spectacular affairs and this year’s will be as well. Click here to find out more and to see examples of the good work done by GTGK. Tickets are available at Canada Helps - $250. Tax receipts will be given out for the ticket amount minus the dinner costs.
Seniors program at the CYC
The Cabbagetown Youth Centre (2 Lancaster) has taken over a successful seniors’ program from Community Matters Toronto. It includes short trips, seminars from the Regent Park Community Health Centre, exercises, crafts and guest speakers. It’s currently attracting St James Town residents and organizers hope to broaden participation from Cabbagetown and Winchester Park. Thursdays, 1 to 3:30 pm. For more info, email Nadia - hadiya@communitymatterstoronto.org
Nuit Blanche
Toronto’s overnight art celebrations take place across the City from 7 pm to 7 am on the night of October 5 and 6. A major focal point happens on the waterfront - nine projects called the Cat’s Cradle along with several independent exhibitions will be shown along the eastern end from Sugar Beach to Sherbourne Common. Five artists have designed the 1-800-INF-ERNO, located at 420 Queen E. Love Across Distance is at The ArQuives, 34 Isabella. In Corktown Common (155 Bayview), four artists have created “Improvement becomes a wall and the river still meanders.” Two more projects are based in the Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E) - Black in Time and Round A/Void. For a full list on the City’s website, click here.
Costly delays at 233 Carlton Street
This is the site for the future women’s respite centre which replaces the centre at 67 Adelaide. It’s been empty since the lease started in January 2020. An appeal from the community was settled in March 2022 - it initially stalled the project. After that, unforeseen site conditions slowed construction. Work on the interior is still happening and the centre is now scheduled to open in the first months of 2025. If that date is met, then the project will have spent half its lease period on renovations and it’ll have only five more years as an operating agency. By the end of 2024, the City will have paid $1,743,000 in basic rent for the building and another estimated $3,700,000 for its renovations - all without getting any benefit for the women or the community that it is intended to serve.
More U Haul news
Paul Dineen spotted this truck parked on Carlton just west of the stairs into Sprucecourt School, “in a no stopping zone for more than 24 hours and it still has not received a parking ticket let alone a Tow. This is particularly astonishing given the fact that we see tickets daily on the cars parked without permits.” He notified Christopher Butterfield at Toronto Police Service who replied that an officer went to the truck and ticketed it.
Tents in Regent Park
Several tents have popped up at the northwest corner of the Big Park (620 Dundas E) and stayed there over the past few weeks. Although they’re located within a few metres of a children’s playground, they haven’t been moved out. Local residents at 260 Sackville petitioned Councillor Chris Moise about this. They’ve also called 311 several times and notified police at 51 Division. Mr Moise’s staff replied saying that a Waterloo court decision requires that the City have alternate accommodation before evicting the campers. Furthermore, the City’s shelters are full to capacity. Until more shelter spaces can be opened, the City cannot remove these tents.
Duncan Fremlin and Whiskey Jack
Duncan and his friends performed at the Free Times Cafe last Saturday. It was a wonderful show. Whiskey Jack now includes fiddler superstar Billy MacInnis and two-time Juno nominee Douglas John Cameron. This week, they’re off to Atlantic Canada.
Rick Walker is worried
He’s seen the garbage thrown in front of a store on Carlton and he’s also seen a man sleeping and urinating in public on Parliament near Jet Fuel. He worries that street life in Cabbagetown is deteriorating. He’s not alone - there have been numerous comments about increasing numbers of panhandlers, homeless people and garbage on Parliament. In the past, the Cabbagetown BIA could call on the City’s Streets To Homes service to assist people on Parliament.
Congrats to the Cabbagetown BIA
The BIA was awarded funding from the Federal Economic Development Agency from its Southern Ontario Tourism Growth Program. It’s aimed at drawing new visitors by developing local tourism experiences. This year’s Cabbagetown Festival was the biggest to date and the award made this possible.
Cabbagetown Farmers’ Market
Oakridge had lovely mushrooms and veggies at Tuesday’s market. It’s the peak season for the best local produce. There are three market days left. Check out the Market’s Facebook page to see the weekly updates and news. Tuesdays from 3 to 7 pm, Riverdale Park West (Sumach and Winchester)
Corktown’s Underpass Farmers’ Market
The Fall Harvest Fest happens from 4 to 7:30 pm. Open every Thursday from 4 to 7:30 pm at 29 Lower River. There are only two more dates for the 2024 market. For this week’s updates, click here.
COMING EVENTS
Three artists at Daniel et Daniel
Michealle Learte, Carole Milon and Beverley Daniels will show their paintings at the gallery at Daniel et Daniel (248 Carlton) from Saturday October 5 to Monday November 11. The gallery is open for viewing on Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 5 pm during that time. It’s the first time that the gallery has hosted a group show. (Image: Carole Milon, Blood Moon)
Soulpepper’s Spooky Season Movie Night
On Fridays throughout October, Soulpepper (50 Tank House Lane) is screening four movies to get us ready for Halloween. They’re free but registration is required. On Friday October 4, it’s The Shining. On October 11, Funny Games. On October 18, Ready or Not. On October 25, Midsummer. NOW Magazine did a review of the series.
Wellness Market at Allan Gardens
Friends of Allan Gardens are hosting a Wellness Market from 11 am to 3 pm on Saturday October 5. Vendors include Tej Essentials, Spirited Tarts & Coffee, 13 Dreams, Wild Strawberry Moon, Karma County: Crystals, Mindfulness & More and the YWCA Toronto’s Inspirations Studio. The program includes Unscripted Movements. It’s all happening in the Children’s Conservatory and Teaching Garden (160 Gerrard E).
Winchester School anniversary party
Celebrate the school’s 150 anniversary on Saturday October 5 from 11 am to 2 pm. There’ll be an afternoon filled with historical tours, live music, delicious food, and a walk down memory lane. RSVP please by September 30. For more info, visit Eventrite. 15 Prospect Street.
Des has published another book
Mary Margaret and the Case of the Thieving Barmaid. Cabbagetown author Des Ryan is hosting a launch party at Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton) at 6:30 pm on Thursday October 10. We all invited. The blurb on the back of the book says, “Bones are found in the lane behind her son's house. Her best friend and one of the owners of her local become persons of interest for a murder she knows they couldn’t possibly have committed. And the most incompetent homicide investigator on the planet, or so she believes, is the lead investigator. Of course, Mary-Margaret O'Shea, a woman of a certain age with mildly Machiavellian tendencies, has no choice but to get involved.”
Danny Marks
Danny will be playing at Hugh’s Room (296 Broadview) on Thursday October 17 from 8 to 111 pm. His show is called “When Country Met Soul, a love story.” $30.
THEATRE NEWS
Details, tickets and links for these productions are available here.
Canadian Stage
1939 is on stage now at the Berkeley Street Theatre (26 Berkeley). It’s run has been extended by one week thanks to popular demand. To October 12.
SHOPPING NEWS
New Cabbagetown gear from Kendall & Co
Designed by Kendall & Co (514 Parliament), these totes, puzzles, mugs, coasters, ornaments, wooden postcards, and posters feature illustrations that highlight some unique landmarks and hidden corners that define our vibrant Cabbagetown community. Click here for more info.
Double Take
The vintage and retro clothing collection has been restocked. You can see photos of some of the items on Instagram. 310 Gerrard E
Mistletoe Market & Merry Tea
The Church of St Peter & St Simon the Apostle (525 Bloor E) is now organizing its Christmas market. Vendors are invited to join. It happens on Saturday November 16 from 10 am to 2 pm. Tables are $50. For more info and to register, phone (416) 923-8714 or send an email - office@stpeterstsimon.ca
St Jamestown Steak & Chops
Mark has prepared his yummy Thanksgiving features - turkey, beef, ham, lamb and more are all available now. 516 Parliament
RESTAURANT NEWS
GLB tap takeover
At the Golden Pigeon (424 Parliament), Great Lakes Brewery will take over ten taps and a cask to bring cool beers. Friday October 2, 7 pm to closing. And there’ll be Oktoberfest food specials - pretzels, cabbage rolls, apple strudel and more. The slushie machine is back in action and offering a beer slushie.
El Catrin
El Catrin’s Agave Club (18 Tank House Lane) is starting up again with four dates this Fall - October 3, 9 and 23 and November 6. I’s an exciting tapas-style menu combined with an amazing selection of rare tequilas and mezcal. Click here for more details.
Bisou
For the first time in Ontario, Bisou (350 Berkeley) presents Fattoria La Maliosa from Tuscany. Friday night there’s a party with a DJ and special pizzas on offer. From 5 to 9 pm.
$10 house wines at F’Amelia
Enjoy a glass of white or red house wine for $10 at F’Amelia (12 Amelia). It’s good - San Tiziano Chardonnay and Cabernet Merlot. Available every Sunday and Monday. And don’t forget wine Wednesdays - any bottle priced over $100 is yours for half price.
Oktoberfest at The Distillery
Oktoberfest is back every Friday, Saturday and Sunday until October 27 at the Pure Spirits patio in The Distillery. There’ll be a special beer release and schnitzels from Mill Street, brats and pretzels from Pure Spirits and live entertainment every Friday and Saturday.
Cafe Zuzu and Aki Studio
Show your same-day theatre ticket for any event at the Aki StudioTheatre (585 Dundas E) and get a 15% discount on your food and non-alcoholic beverages at Cafe Zuzu (555 Dundas E).
WEEKLY CALENDAR - CLUBS & PUBS
THURSDAY OCTOBER 3 TO SUNDAY OCTOBER 13
For contact info about these clubs and restaurants, see the list at the bottom of this page.
THURSDAY OCTOBER 3
Old Flame Brewery
7 pm, open mic with City Love
FRIDAY OCTOBER 4
Distillery
5 to 10 pm, live music in the Pure Spirits patio
Soulpepper Movie Night
6:30 pm, The Shining
Bisou
5 pm, party with wine and pizza specials and a DJ
Alice’s Place
Karaoke night.
Decoy
10 pm, DJ Double Denim
Golden Pigeon
7 pm, GLB tap takeover
Mill Street
8 pm, Oktoberfest live music
Old Flame Brewery
2 pm, live entertainment with Mark Villamor
Super Bargain
10 pm, DJ Shamz
SATURDAY OCTOBER 5
Distillery Trinity Stage - live entertainment
Noon to 3 pm, Ori Dagan Band
4 to 7 pm, Elizabeth Shepherd
Mill Street Brewpub
8 pm, Oktoberfest live music
Wing House
5 to 7:30 pm, Michael Caplan’s Porch Songs
SUNDAY OCTOBER 6
Distillery Trinity Stage - live entertainment
Noon to 3 pm, Christopher Plock’s Sinatra
4 to 7 pm, Jamie Oliver Let’s Be Frank
Mill Street Brewpub
September 21 to October 27, Oktoberfest
Old Flame Brewery
2 pm, Zack Erickson
Super Bargain
3 pm, Paint nite with Tayaba, $45
The Aviary
11:30 am and 1 pm, Jazz brunch with a live band
MONDAY OCTOBER 7
Mill Street Brewpub
September 21 to October 27, Oktoberfest
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
TUESDAY OCTOBER 8
Mill Street Brewpub
September 21 to October 27, Oktoberfest
The Aviary
8 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 OCTOBER 9
Mill Street Brewpub
September 21 to October 27, Oktoberfest
F’Amelia
Wine Wednesday bottles over $100 at half price
Old Flame Brewery
6:30 pm, Trivia night with Hector’s Taverna
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, euchre night
The Aviary
8 pm, karaoke and wing Wednesday
THURSDAY OCTOBER 10
Mill Street Brewpub
September 21 to October 27, Oktoberfest
Old Flame Brewery
7 pm, City Love open mic with Calabash Cove
Super Bargain
All vinyl night
FRIDAY OCTOBER 11
Distillery
5 to 10 pm, live music in the Pure Spirits patio
Mill Street Brewpub
8 pm, Oktoberfest live music
Alice’s Place
Karaoke night.
Bisou
4 to 8 pm, tapas night
Mill Street
8 pm, live music
Old Flame Brewery
7 pm, Fresh Breath Band
Super Bargain
10 pm, DJ Shamz
SATURDAY OCTOBER 12
Distillery Trinity Stage - live entertainment
Noon to 3 pm, SB Organ Trio
4 to 7 pm, Mark “Bird” Stafford
Mill Street Brewpub
8 pm, Oktoberfest live music
Old Flame Brewery
Noon to 2 pm, Dave Daniels
Wing House
5 to 7:30 pm, Michael Caplan’s Porch Songs
SUNDAY OCTOBER 13
Distillery Trinity Stage - live entertainment
Noon to 3 pm, Rocky Vermeel & Queen City Blues Band
4 to 7 pm, Danny Marks Blues Band
Mill Street Brewpub
September 21 to October 27, Oktoberfest
Old Flame Brewery
2 pm, Genevieve Cyr plays.
Super Bargain
3 pm, Paint Nite with Tayaba, $45.
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
Mikaku - 229 Carlton
Mill Street Brew Pub - 21 Tank House Lane, Distillery
Old Flame Brewery- 45 Tank House Lane, Distillery
Playground - 492 Parliament
Stout Irish Pub - 221 Carlton
Super Bargain - 441 Parliament
Wing House - 420 Parliament
