admin

Happy October Cabbagetowers!

We’ve had some beautiful weather this month, and we hope it continues into the second half of October as one of the year’s busiest days in our neighbourhood approaches – Halloween!

Pumpkin Walk

The CRA will be hosting our annual Cabbagetown Pumpkin walk on November 1st in Riverdale Park west, from 6-8pm.  Bring your pumpkin and a food donation for Dixon Hall. Volunteers and wagons to help clear out the pumpkins at 8pm are also much appreciated!

Annual General Meeting

The CRA is holding its annual general meeting on Thursday, November 14 at 6pm online and in-person at Stout.  More info to come closer to the date.

BIA upcoming events

Mark some calendarsThe Cabbagetown BIA has some upcoming events in November and December.  

Remembrance Day ceremonies will take place on November 11, where community members are once again invited to observe Remembrance Day in a heartfelt ceremony that pays tribute to our veterans and fallen heroes. The event will feature readings by elected officials, local business owners, and community members, as they reflect on the sacrifices made by our service people, followed by a tour of military graves.

Holiday in the Patch is on December 7. It will include a day of live music and photos with Santa, PLUS the new Apres-Ski and Holiday Karaoke Zone, and the improved scavenger hunt by Treasure Trove Toronto offering $1,500 in cash prizes to the community!

Dixon Hall Music For Life

Dixon Hall is thrilled to  extend an invite to Music For Life, celebrating the 46th anniversary of Dixon Hall’s Music School!

For nearly half a century, Dixon Hall has been transforming lives through music, and this year’s milestone event will take place at none other than Toronto’s finest venue, The Four Seasons Hotel, setting the perfect stage for an unforgettable evening. 

The evening includes performances, inspiration, and impact, all while supporting the next generation of musicians in our community. Tickets are available here!

But that’s not all—this year’s event also includes an exclusive silent auction with once-in-a-lifetime items! 

Here’s a sneak peek at what you can bid on: 

• Tickets to Taylor Swift’s upcoming Eras Tour (yes, you read that right!).

• Dreaming of Thailand: A trip to Thailand, including hotel stays in breathtaking Phuket and Bangkok.

• A luxurious stay at one of Dubai’s most exclusive 5-star hotels, offering world-class elegance and service.

• And many more incredible items! 

Participatory Budgeting Voting is Open

Shared from the BIA, participatory budgeting is a system of direct democracy where residents suggest and then vote on how funds are spent within their community.  Available Community funds can be dispersed to different neighbourhoods, based on the votes.

Click here for more information, and an overview of the capital projects submitted by the BIA, pleas

Happy August Cabbagetowners!

Whew, it is a hot one out there! Hope you are keeping cool and enjoying the summer.

Annual General Meeting

The Cabbagetown Residents Association is holding its AGM on Thursday, September 26 at 6pm. Location (or virtual meeting room) to be determined. Details to be sent out closer to the date, but mark your calendars. As always, we are looking for more interested community members to join our Board and the AGM is a great opportunity to learn more about the CRA. If you would like more details, or an interested in joining the Board, please email info@cabbagetowner.com.

Movie in the Park

The CRA will be hosting a Movie Night in Riverdale Park West on Friday, September 20 and we are taking suggestions for a movie! Please email info@cabbagetowner.com with your movie suggestion.

Parking Fines Increased

The City is increasing parking fines as of August 1 to help curb illegal parking and stopping and standing in designated areas. Increasing fines can help reduce congestion by discouraging drivers from parking and stopping their vehicles in high-traffic areas and encouraging people to consider other modes of transportation such as walking, cycling or public transit to promote a smoother flow of traffic. 

Parliament Street Library

After experiencing some flooding after heavy rains, the library is open and hosting several events in August. For a full schedule, visit https://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/parliament/.

Walking Tour with the BIA

Many thanks to the Cabbagetown BIA for an innovative way to explore our neighbourhood. Explore the rich history and vibrant culture of our neighborhood on this app-guided tour, designed for you to enjoy at your own pace. No set meeting times – just grab your mobile device and start your adventure whenever you’re ready! On now until August 15.

Forsythia Festival 2024

One week until the 2024 Forsythia Festival! All of the details are on the web.  Make sure you wear yellow, decorate those bikes/trikes and scooters for the parade, and get ready for donuts and BBQ! The parade will start at 10:30 am at the corner of Sumach and Wellesley, and the festival will run from 11:00 am-3pm at Wellesley Park.

Sponsor Spotlight – Gold

The Festival would not be possible without our sponsors. Thank you to the generous contributions from the Gold level sponsors below.

Buds and Blossoms 

Buds and Blossoms has two licensed child care facilities, one of which is right in the heart of Cabbagetown, on Parliament Street.  Buds and Blossoms offers preschool, kindergarten, aftercare, summer camps and a diverse selection of classes for parents and children.  Program curriculum is mindfulness based and child-lead.  Children are engaged while learning something they want to learn and are having fun. The lovely educators and Buds and Blossoms are fun-loving and passionate about what they do! Follow Buds and Blossoms on Instagram at budsandblossoms.cabbagetown and check out their Facebook page.

Cabbagetown Rovers

Cabbagetown Rovers is a volunteer run pickup soccer team for kids aged ~7-15 years old who live in the hood.  We play for fun on the weekends at Spruce Court.  No cleats needed, no money changes hands, and no fuss.  Come and play when you can.  Join the email list and we will let you know dates and times for our pickup games during the spring and summer. Email Dave at cabbagetownrovers@gmail.com    

Castillo + Pardo

CASTILLO + PARDO is a traditional real estate team with a modern twist. They focus on the relationships with their clients and making their real estate experience warm, authentic and flawless.

They take on all the design, visual, marketing and promotion of their client’s properties, and their clear expression and warm touch is what distinguishes them. Their model is based on an intimate collaboration between their sales team, their staging designer, videographer and photographer. They evaluate the home and create a strategy unique to its soul to convey both materially and visually. 

They know that selling or buying a home is an important decision – they will take on your property as their own and will make it shine.  If you are considering a move, consider partnering with Castillo + Pardo.

Cycle Solutions

A long time sponsor of the Forsythia Festival, Cycle Solutions is back again this year with a generous donation for the Forstyhia Raffle! 

Cycle Solutions is all about passion! They are in the business of not just selling you your favourite but, but also empowering and inspiring customers to use it as often as they can. Not only are they passionate about cycling, but they also strive to go above and beyond the service you would expect from your local, family-owned business.

With the warm weather (hopefully) around the corner, it’s time to take out your bikes and get ready for summer. If you need a spring tune up for your bike after a long winter, have misplaced your bike lock or helmet or are ready to test out a brand new bike, be sure to visit Cycle Solutions!

Hepburn Landscaping

Did you know that Michael Hepburn has been supporting community initiatives in Cabbagetown for 20 years? He has been a Gold sponsor of the Forsythia Festival for many years and he generously donated the butterfly garden at Riverdale Farm. His financial contributions to our neighbourhood go a long way to sustaining Cabbagetown’s attractions and events year over year.

Michael is the third-generation owner of Hepburn Landscaping and like his father before him, feels that it’s important to be part of the community in which he works. He has specialized in landscaping Cabbagetown properties for 19 years and approximately 80% of his projects are located within our neighbourhood. We are grateful to Michael for his continued support and commitment to Cabbagetown.

As the planting season begins, you will likely see Michael’s distinctive truck and lawn signs in the neighbourhood – so be sure to give him a wave of recognition when you see him.

House on Parliament

A staple in Cabbagetown, the House on Parliament has been in business for 20 years. Serving up fine fare, libation & diversion you are guaranteed to encounter eclectic banter, solid conversation and some of the best food in Toronto!

Tania, Beau and Duncan have always been great supporters of community events in the neighborhood, including the Forsythia Festival: “We love the community involvement. It has been amazing to watch it grow from a tiny little event to what it has become today. Kudos to all the hard-working volunteers for pulling off such a joyful day.”

The HOP decided to become a Gold Member sponsor in 2016. “The neighbourhood has given us so much over the years that we happily give back,” says Tania. “It is even easier when it is an incredibly well organized free event for kids and families. Thrilled to be associated with the Forsythia Festival!”

Hungry? Thirsty? In need of some always interesting conversation? Be sure to stop in at the House on Parliament at 454 Parliament Street. Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m., Monday to Friday; 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Facts: Duncan and Beau are not brothers. And HOP has the best sweet potato fries in the ’hood! 

Steak and Chops

Did you know that Mark Michelin, owner of St. Jamestown Steak & Chops, is one of our longest standing Forsythia Festival Gold sponsors?

Mark has been donating his time, energy, and product to the Festival for over 10 years. His generosity is what makes our Forsythia Festival BBQ such a roaring success and we certainly couldn’t do it without his support. We hope you will come out to the Festival on Sunday May 5th in Wellesley Park to enjoy something off the grill. Again this year Mark’s menu will  include his famous beef burgers, hot dogs, in-house pulled pork sandwiches and for the first time portobello mushroom burgers – truly something for everyone to enjoy.

If you can’t make it to the Festival, consider dropping by Steak & Chops (SW corner of Winchester and Parliament) to say a quick thanks to Mark for all that he does to give back to our

The Epicure Shop

The Epicure Shop have been long time supporters of the Forsythia Festival. You just have to walk by their shop window at 473 Parliament to see all of the Forsythia sponsorship stickers in the window!

The Epicure shop is a family owned and operated deli & gourmet food shop that has served the Cabbagetown community since 1980. They offer a wonderful selection of specialty breads, cheeses, meats, coffee and desserts! The Epicure also serves delicious original sandwiches and sandwiches. They were voted top 10 breakfast sandwiches by Blog TO!

If you are looking for delicious treats, a ready made lunch during a busy day, or a few specialty items to round out your grocery shopping, be sure to stop by Epicure – you will not be disappointed! 

Parliament Street Fitness

Have you been to the best gym in town? Parliament Street Fitness is a neighbourhood-oriented, boutique fitness centre focusing on the health and well-being of Cabbagetown residents.

Their goal is to provide a clean, safe, comfortable and welcoming environment to meet, socialize, and of course – enjoy a great personal or group workout! They want all of their members to regularly attend thier facility, participate in a wide range of classes and programs and exceed their health and fitness goals.

PSF offers our members a bright, well organized space to workout on their own as well as a wide range of classes (included with our membership) and sports therapy services.

If you are a regular gym goer or someone who aspires to be at the gym more often, Parliament Street Fitness is for you! With a warm and welcoming team, welcoming classes for all fitness levels, Parliament Street Fitness is the perfect place to advance your fitness goals. 

Posner Craig Sten

Posner Craig Stein is a top tier criminal litigation firm located in Cabbagetown. Posner Craig Stein LLP provides sophisticated and strategic advocacy for individuals and corporations facing criminal or regulatory charges. They work in a thoughtful, collaborative and exhaustive manner – in and out of the courtroom – to secure optimal results. PCS is synonymous with exceptional and discrete client service.

Salt and Tobacco

Salt and Tobacco on Parliament Street, serves tasty pizza, a few salads and a selection of local beers and honest wines (plus free sparkling water on tap!). Open since August 2016, it’s their mission to serve affordable food of the highest quality and best service in a great space. They love pizza and they hope you love it to. 

As long time sponsors of the Forsythia Festival, Salt and Tobacco have generously donated the much beloved bouncy castle! 

If you are looking for a cozy night in with a movie, why not order Salt and Tobacco Pizza to turn it into a pizza party? Or, looking for a delicious simple dinner out, grab a table at Salt and Tobacco and enjoy their delicious pizzas. 

Stout Irish Pub

Long time supporters of the Forsythia Festival, Stout is back again this year as a Gold Sponsor! If you haven’t already been, Stout is an incredible Irish pub with delicious food and a friendly atmosphere. They are open for dinner 7 days a week so there are no excuses not to stop in – even if it is just on an off day from work or school (or both!)

The food at Stout is not only delicious but also a perfect representation of Ireland’s rich tradition. And, if you’re looking for a fun evening out, check out Headscatchers Trivia night!

There’s a reason why they are one of Toronto’s (Cabbagetown) best kept secrets, come and find out why!

Weenan General Contracting 

Weenan is a leading contractor behind some of Cabbagetown’s most beautiful homes! As a partner on contracting projects, Weenan pride themselves on their communication, superior design and workmanship. 

They see it as their job to take your vision and clearly communicate concepts as well as identify smart improvements, potential issues, required inspections, and necessary approvals at every step. Having worked on many many many Cabbagetown homes, they are experts in 

Cabbagetown is where Weenan grew their reputation for excellence with an ability to transform and restore Victorian homes. But their expensive portfolio also includes homes in Rosedale, Moore Park, Lawrence Park, and Forest Hill.

Weenan have been long standing sponsors of the Forstyhia Festival as well as other Cabbagetown community initiatives. 

Happy February Neighbours!

Today is a cold one, but it is sunny and clear, so make sure to get outside and enjoy the sunshine.

Coming up this Tuesday Feb 27 from 7-9pm at the Winchester Theatre (80 Winchester Street).  Organized by the Cabbagetown Preservation Association, this event includes a panel whose members will share their knowledge and perspectives on important issues in our neighbourhood.

Parks and Recreation Registration

Mark your calendars! City of Toronto Parks and Rec spring registration is coming up on March 5th. 

Hidden Gardens and Private Spaces

The Cabbagetown Preservation Association will be holding their annual Hidden Gardens and Privates Spaces tour on Sunday, June 2, 2024 and they are looking for volunteers. This tour is a wonderful way to seek a peek at your neighbours spectacular garden spaces.

Declare your Occupancy Status

Another important date this week – don’t forget to declare your occupancy status. Property owners have until Thursday, February 29, to declare whether their residential property was occupied or vacant for more than six months in the 2023 calendar year. Declarations can be submitted through the City of Toronto’s Vacant Home Tax (VHT) portal: www.toronto.ca/services-payments/property-taxes-utilities/vacant-home-tax.