New buildings in St James Town
Since 2018, discussions have been underway for an expansion of St James Town. A set of proposals has now been finalized and are open for public consultation. Three new buildings are proposed for 238-280 Wellesley and 650 Parliament. There’ll be a 58-storey mixed use condo with 741 units, a 21-storey rental with 287 units and a 9-storey rental with 81 units - a total of 1,109 new units. They’ll be fitted in among existing buildings which will be modified, keeping 2,251 existing units. The proposal also includes additional green space, an extension of Rose Avenue and new private streets within the site. There’ll be a public consultation meeting on Tuesday June 17 from 6 to 8 pm at St Peter & St Simon Parish Hall (525 Bloor E).
Playground - a new family musical
This new musical is written around Jack Grunsky’s award-winning catalogue of children’s music . The story follows Eliot who moves to a new school in a new town. He invents a schoolyard game that takes his new friends on a journey through the world of make believe. Suitable for kids 4 to 1 and their parents and grandparents. It’s playing from July 2 to 13 at various times in Soulpepper Theatre (50 Tankhouse Lane, Distillery) as part of the Fringe Festival. Click here for tickets and performance times.
Congrats Anji
Anji Shukla and Blooming Flower Bar have been recognized by the People With Aids Foundation for her outstanding community support.
Roof scams
Two local residents have warned that the team of roof scammers is back. Matthew was approached twice - once with a claim that raccoons were on his roof and another with claims of brick pointing. They each had Irish accents, they drove a white pickup truck and each time, they lowered their faces to avoid the porch camera. Gregg was approached by three guys driving a truck who told him that his chimney needed to be replaced. He doesn’t have a chimney.
Cabbagetown Preservation Association
At its recent annual meeting, the members of the CPA voted to abolish membership fees. Voluntary donations are, of course, welcome and any amount over $20 earns a tax receipt. For all the details and a membership form, click here. Sarah Vagg has become the new Chair and Steve Yeates continues as the past Chair. Two awards were given to celebrate restorations and streetscape improvements completed over the past two years on the street-facing side of the property.
2025 awards for preservation
Peggy Kurtin Award. The 2025 Award was given to 231 Seaton. The notes for the Award say, “This is a unique property with a gable roof that can be seen from both Seaton St and Hagan Lane, making its restoration a great contribution to the streetscape.”
A special award. The Cabbagetown Preservation Association made a special award for 2025 to 321 Ontario. Its restoration work revealed and restored the previously compromised façade at ground level.
Wellesley Park improvements
The City of Toronto will start improving the park area between Amelia Street and the wooden staircase in July. The dirt path will be paved and landscaping in the surrounding park will be replanted. Previously, the City and the Toronto & Region Conservation Authority looked at replacing the staircase between the park and the Rosedale Valley Road with a switchback trail. They concluded that soil conditions and problems with the slope’s stability prevented it and this project has been ended.
Farmers’ markets
At the Cabbagetown Farmers Market (Winchester and Sumach), there’ll be lots of fresh produce, artisanal products, prepared food, beer and wine, and more. This week’s musician is Pierre Gautreau. Tuesday, 3 to 7 pm, Riverdale Park West (Winchester and Sumach).
Allan Gardens Saturday Farmers Market happens every Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm. Along with the vendors, the Friends of Allan Gardens will hold a plant sale. Children’s Conservatory, 160 Gerrard E
Underpass Farmers Market is open every Thursday from 4 to 7:30 pm at 29 Lower River Street. Here’s a list of the farmers and growers. There are lots more selling prepared foods and artisanal products.
PRIDE EVENTS
Regent Park Out Loud
It’s a community block party for Pride with prizes, food, drinks, market vendors and a dance party. Friday, June 13, 4 to 10 pm, Regent Park Boulevard.
Queers of Catan
Board games and social. For the first time at the Golden Pigeon (424 Parliament). Games happen from 6 to 9 pm and social available to midnight.
Queer East Social
Presented by Cafe Zuzu (555 Dundas E), this Pride month celebration honours Juneteenth. DJ Teray and a special performance with Angell Dubois. Lots of wonderful food choices, vendors and music. Thursday June 9, 6:30to 11 pm. For more info and tickets, click here.
Heart at the Distillery
The big outdoor heart in the Distillery has been painted with Pride colours.
The Q Musicale at The Distillery
Q Musicale is a celebration of Pride continuing to June 14 in the Distillery. It supports Queer live music artists and this Festival has a dynamic lineup of 2SLGBTQIA performers. Three more events happen this week. Come Party in My House is an original album release with five guests and el Hashem - Thursday 5 to 8 pm. The Transgender and Non-Binary Artists Showcase is hosted by Alice Rose and six artists from 5 to 8 pm on Friday. On Saturday, the Festival has two parts from 1 to 4 pm hosted by Amanda Roberts and from 5 to 8 pm with Pam. Free. Check out the Distillery website for more info.
Drag brunch
Los Gyros (500 Queen E). Hosted by Georgina Hudson with Midas and Rico Rico. Sunday June 15, noon. Tickets on Eventrite, $10.
FOR YOUR BODY
Brenda's step class
Next Wednesday, June 18, is the final class for the season for Brenda at the Cabbagetown Youth Centre. She'll be back in September.
Free fitness classes
Organizers at Amelia’s Garden (Amelia and Parliament) have launched a weekly fitness class for Active Agers, every Friday at 10 am. Boost your flexibility, balance and strength. The exercises are designed for everyone regardless of age, ability or fitness level with a standard level and options to scale down or up. Bring your yoga mat if available. Jonathan is a certified trainer and proud Silver Fox. Free.
Yoga mornings at Soulpepper
Every Friday morning in the Spring to June 27, Soulpepper (50 Tank House Lane) is offering free yoga classes to wake your body, breath and senses. 9 to 10 am. Click here for more info and to register.
IN THE MEDIA
The Bridge covers news from Corktown, Moss Park, Regent Park and Cabbagetown South. This month, Christopher Hume has written a front-page critique of the refurbished Palm House in Allan Gardens. The Editorial by Andre Bermon on page 4 describes the small controversy over renaming the Sumach-Shuter parkette. On page 18, there’s a review of Los Gyros, the new Mexican restaurant at 500 Queen E. Click here to reach the paper and browse the entire edition for more interesting items.
COMING EVENTS
Movies at Stout
Weekly free movie nights at Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton). The lineup features family movies - bring your kids. On Sunday June 15, it’s “The Goonies” and on Sunday June 22, it’s “The Secret Life of Pets”. There’s free popcorn. Sundays at 5:30 pm. Please contact Erin to save your spot - (647) 344-7676 and erin@stoutirishpub.ca
51 Division Open House
Drop in to 51 Division (51 Parliament) on Saturday June 14 from 11 am to 2 pm. It’s a family-friendly day - there’ll be station tours, police exhibits and vintage cars along with food and entertainment.
Boys & Girls Club Toronto Kiwanis
The BGCTK annual meeting happens on Wednesday June 18 at 6:30 pm in the Cabbagetown Youth Centre (2 Lancaster). Please register if you plan to attend.
Ojibway Medicine Bag Workshop & Teaching
Friends of Allan Gardens and Ojibway artisan Angela Shilling will hold a workshop about Ojibway Medicine Bags - their contents, sacred medicines and spiritual value. Saturday June 21, noon to 2 pm. Children’s Conservatory (19 Horticultural Drive).
Rock & Roll Revival in The Distillery
This is the final weekend for the Distillery’s outdoor concert series on the Trinity Stage celebrating rock & roll. Two sets happen on Sunday.. From 1 to 4 pm, it’s Generator Party with 90s/2000s Alt Rock Unplugged followed by the Chris Chambers Trio with Classic Rock Legends from 5 to 8 pm.
BUSINESS NEWS
Vandalism at Akasha
A guy on a bike wearing a mask threw a rock through the front window at Akasha Art Projects (204D Carlton) at 3:30 am on Friday night. Sonja is worried that he may have done this in other stores as well. In recent years, Parliament Street shops have regularly been targets of thieves and vandals smashing windows and door glass.
RESTAURANT NEWS
The Blake House
Beef specials are on the menu all week in honour of Father’s Day. On Thursday, there’s beef bourguignon, on Friday jambalaya, on Saturday it’s grilled beef shish kabob and on Sunday, prime rib roast. All week, there’s classic Waldorf salad to start and George’s famous carrot cake for dessert. 449 Jarvis
Falcha Fusion
Gail and Stephen went to Falcha Fusion (568 Parliament) last week and they enjoyed it. The restaurant specializes in Nepalese and Indian cooking. They ordered two dishes from each cuisine and they found them very well done. She says, “We'll definitely return to Falcha and are thrilled to have this new restaurant as another go-to in our neighbourhood's ever-expanding range of world cuisines.”
Welcome Parliament Ice Cream
A nifty new ice cream parlour is open at 546 Parliament. They offer 24 flavours of Kawartha Dairy ice cream in cones, slushies and bubble waffles. Grab a coffee too. There’s a patio and sidewalk seating outside. Mariyah (right) and Michelle are behind the counter. Open from noon to 10:30 pm.
Wing House
Jeff and Noah are back on Saturday June 14, 8 pm. 420 Parliament.
WEEKLY CALENDAR - CLUBS & PUBS
Here’s your list, day by day, of events and specials in our clubs and pubs for the next ten days. For contact info, see the list at the bottom of this page.
THURSDAY JUNE 12 TO SUNDAY JUNE 22
THURSDAY JUNE 12
F’Amelia
5 pm, Wine Thursday
Mill Street Brew Pub
7 pm, Trivia with Quizmaster Jess
Old Flame Brewery
7 pm, open mic with City Love
FRIDAY JUNE 13
Distillery
9 to 10 am, Yoga mornings at Soulpepper
Alice’s Place
Karaoke night
Old Flame Brewery
7 pm, Rae Melvin Band
Zero Cocktail Bar
8 pm, Cocktail class
SATURDAY JUNE 14
Old Flame Brewery
2 to 6 pm, live entertainment with Anna Chang
The WIng House
8 pm, Jeff Barnes and Noah Saccharin
SUNDAY JUNE 15
Distillery - Rock & Roll Revival
1 to 4 pm, Generator Party - 90s/2000s Alt Rock
5 to 8 pm, Chris Chambers Trio -Classic Rock Legends
Los Gyros
Noon, Drag brunch
Old Flame Brewery
2 pm, live entertainment with Zachary Erickson
Stout Irish Pub
5:30 pm, Sunday movie night - The Goonies
MONDAY JUNE 16
Decoy
Kentucky Fried movie night
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
TUESDAY JUNE 17
Golden Pigeon
6 pm, Queers of Catan game night
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
WEDNESDAY JUNE 18
F’Amelia
5 pm, Wine Wednesday
Golden Pigeon
8 pm, Trivia with Rachelle Lauzon
Lisbon Hotel Bar
7 pm, Trivia with Quizmaster Jess
Old Flame Brewery
7 pm, Trivia night
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Euchre night
THURSDAY JUNE 19
F’Amelia
5 pm, Wine Thursday
Mill Street Brew Pub
7 pm, Trivia with Quizmaster Jess
Old Flame Brewery
7 pm, open mic with City Love
FRIDAY JUNE 20
Distillery
9 to 10 am, Yoga mornings at Soulpepper
Alice’s Place
Karaoke night.
Old Flame Brewery
7 pm, live entertainment with Floral Park Band
Stout Irish Pub
6 pm, Pup Quiz - dog friendly trivia
Zero Cocktail Bar
7 pm, Cocktail class
SATURDAY JUNE 21
Decoy
10 pm, DJ Moe Funk
Old Flame Brewery
2 to 6 pm, live entertainment with Swayze
SUNDAY JUNE 22
Old Flame Brewery
2 pm, live entertainment with Dan Young
Stout Irish Pub
5:30 pm, Sunday movie night - The Secret Life of Pets
CONTACT INFO
Alphabetical lists for restaurants in Cabbagetown, Canary District, Corktown, Distillery and Regent Park.
Cabbagetown
Alice’s Place - 554 Parliament, (647) 931-9088
Bisou - 350 Berkeley (at Gerrard), (437) 971-7150
Blondies - 419 Parliament, (437) 341-1555
Butter Chicken Factory - 560 Parliament, (416) 964-7583
Chew Chew’s Diner - 186 Carlton, (416) 323-0068
China Gourmet - 235 Carlton, (416) 515-0088
Church’s Texas Chicken - 537 Parliament, (416) 519-3846
Desi Bit3S - 568 Parliament, (416) 928-9731
Epos Coffee - 290 Gerrard E
F’Amelia - 12 Amelia, (416) 323-0666
Gushi - 296 Gerrard E (at Parliament), (437) 241-1710
Hakka Bistro - 398 Parliament, (416) 944-3033
Hakka & Jerk - 296A Gerrard E, (647) 643-5405
House on Parliament - 454 Parliament, (416) 925-4074
Jet Fuel - 519 Parliament, (416) 968-9982
Johnny G’s - 478 Parliament, (647) 368-3877
Ju Sushi Bar - 383 Dundas E, (416) 594-0383
Kibo - 533 Parliament, (647) 352-3788
Kingyo Fisherman’s Market - 51B Winchester, (647) 748-2121
L’Avenue - 583 Parliament, (647) 368-8008
La Gloria Mexican Coffee - 453 Parliament, (647) 806-6383
Luis H - 556 Parliament, (416) 964-1000
Madras Curry - 178 Carlton, (416) 323-0000
Maya Bay - 252 Carlton, (416) 924-8989
Mikaku Udon Bar - 229 Carlton, (416) 323-0033
Momo Ghar - 568 Parliament, (416) 920-8224
My Pandan Cake - 246 Gerrard E, , (416) 276-6698
New Retro - 193 Carlton, (416) 519-8511
New Town - 413 Parliament, (437) 777-8260
Noushe - 200 Carlton, (416) 466-9595
Pastor Tacos - 245 Gerrard E, (647) 687-1175
Phosome - 482 Parliament, (416) 551-6395
Pisac Peruvian Bistro - 195 Carlton, (416) 515-0989
Playground Cafe - 492 Parliament, (437) 799-5248
Poopathi Mess - 585 Parliament, (416) 923-4243
Red Cranberries - 601 Parliament, (416) 925-6330
Saigon Pai - 446 Parliament, (416) 920-8424
Salt & Tobacco - 521 Parliament, (647) 348-2993
Shalom Ethiopian - 587 Parliament, (416) 964-7271
Souvlaki Express - 484 Parliament, (416) 637-6777
Stout Irish Pub - 221 Carlton, (647) 344-7676
Super Bargain - 441 Parliament, (416) 266-6471
Tasso - 540 Parliament
Tender Trap - 580 Parliament, (416) 920-5147
Thai Room - 243 Carlton, (647) 352-8424
The Golden Pigeon - 424 Parliament, (416) 392-1039
The Vibrational Apothecary - 243 Gerrard E
Urban Thai - 415 Parliament, (416) 513-1020
Wing House - 420 Parliament, (416) 968-0294
Wing Machine - 443 Parliament, (416) 961-1000
Zakkushi on Carlton - 193 Carlton, (647) 352-9455
Zero Cocktail Bar - 223 Carlton, (416) 920-9376
Canary District
barBurrito - 464 Front E, (416) 601-1777
Cherry Street BBQ - 275 Cherry, (416) 461-5111
Fuel+ - 469 Front E, (416) 306-6480
Keating Channel - 2 Villiers, (416) 572-0030
Region - 475 Front E, (416) 864-0800
Souk Tabule - 494 Front E, (416) 583-5914
SukhoTHAI - 460 Front, (416) 777-2092
Corktown
Banknote Bar - 474 Adelaide E, (416) 367-7327
Berkeley Cafe - 262 The Esplanade, (416) 825-0504
Decoy Bar - 370 Queen E
East Coast Donair - 314 Parliament
Figs - 344 Queen E, (416) 913-7205
Fusilli - 531 Queen E, (416) 214-5148
Gusto 501 - 501 King E, (416) 477-5647
Impact Kitchen - 573 King E, (416) 306-1986
King Solomon & Queen of Sheba Ethiopian - 360 Queen E, (416) 368-9002
Ladybug Wine Bar - 514 King E, (437) 222-0142
Lisbon Hotel - 19 Lawren Harris Square
Mengrai Thai - 82 Ontario, (416) 840-2754
Signature Bar - 320 Queen E, (416) 996-6004
Reyna - 354 King E, (416) 546-3155
Sumach Espresso - 118 Sumach, (647) 351-3833
The Rosebud - 498 Queen E, (647) 531-1388
Wood 900 Grill+ Bar - 372 Queen E, (416) 363-1571
Distillery
Arena Coffee Bar - 15 Tank House Lane
Arvo - 17 Grist Mill Lane, (647) 352-2786
Balzac - 1 Trinity St, (416) 207-1709
Boku Japanese - 42 Gristmill Lane, (416) 368-8686
Brick Street Bakery - 27 Trinity St,
Cluny - 35 Tank House Lane, (416) 203-2632
Eataly - 21 Trinity
El Catrin - 18 Tank House Lane, (416) 203-2121
Jardin Kitchen & Juice Bar - 28 Gristmill Lane, (416) 203-2363
Madrina - 2 Trinity St, (416) 548-8055
Mill Street Brew Pub - 21 Tank House Lane, (416) 681-0338
Old Flame Brewery- 45 Tank House Lane, (416) 360-1209
Pure Spirits - 17 Tank House Lane, (416) 361-5859
Scooped by Demetres - 46 Gristmill Lane,(416) 988-2482
SpiritHouse Toronto - 16 Trinity St, (416) 948-9926
Young Centre Cafe - 50 Tank House Lane, (416) 866-8666
Regent Park
Cafe Zuzu - 555 Dundas E, (416) 815-2660
Liberty Pizza - 657 Dundas E
