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September 2023

Happy September!

How is it September already? Although the weather may still be hot, school resumes tomorrow and soon the leaves will be turning! We hope you all had a wonderful summer. One of the best things about the end of summer is the much-anticipated Cabbagetown Festival and Arts and Crafts Show.  Don’t forget to pick up your Cabbagetown merch, courtesy of the BIA. See you there next weekend!

Blairs Run

There is still time to register and donate for Blairs Run, which is in its 44th year and supports the Cabbagetown Youth Centre. The run is on Sunday, September 10 at 8am.

Noise By-Law Feedback

The City it looking for feedback on noise by-laws. Info on the virtual and in-person consultations can be found here.

Riverdale Farm Fall Festival

Horse

The Farm is holding it’s annual Fall Festival September 9 and 10 (same weekend as the festival). There will be children’s activities, corn-shucking, and weaving demonstrations. And a pancake breakfast from 9-11am on Sunday, September 10.

Cabbagetown Tour of Homes

 

Organized by the Cabbagetown Preservation Association, the Cabbagetown Tour of Homes is scheduled for Sunday, September 17th between 12 and 4pm. Tickets are $40 each, and can be purchased online, or at select stores. More info here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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June 2023


Happy June Cabbagetowners!

It was another very successful Forsythia Festival in May. Thank you to organize Katie Tozer and the dozens of volunteers who make this event run smoothly.  A big thank you to all of our sponsors as well!

 
Cabbagetown Cycling Connections

The public consultation report for the cycling project is now available online at toronto.ca/CabbagetownCycling.

If approved, the bike lanes would be installed in 2023/2024. The proposed bikeways are:

  • Sumach Street: Wellesley Avenue to Gerrard Street (contra-flow bike lane)
  • Sackville Street: Wellesley Avenue to Gerrard Street (contra-flow bike lane)
  • Winchester Street: Parliament Street to Ontario Street (contra-flow bike lane)
  • Ontario Street: Carlton Street to Aberdeen Avenue (contra-flow bike lane)

Highlights of the proposed designs include the following:

On Sumach Street, the Option 1A design is recommended

o   A southbound contra-flow bike lane on the west side, along with a bicycle signal at Gerrard Street East;

o   No changes to direction flow for vehicles; and

o   No changes to parking.

On Sackville Street, the Option 2A design is recommended

o   A northbound contra-flow bike lane on the east side, along with a bicycle signal at Gerrard Street East;

o   No changes to direction flow for vehicles; and

o   No changes to parking.

On Winchester Street between Parliament Street and Ontario Street, a modified version of the Option 3A design is recommended:

o   Westbound contra-flow bike lane north side (Parliament Street to Ontario Street);

o   Shared lane markings/sharrows (Parliament St to Riverdale Park);

o   Westbound bike signal at Parliament Street;

o   People on bikes allowed to travel both directions;

o   No changes to direction flow for vehicles;

o   A stop sign and new crossing at Ontario Street and Winchester Street;

o   Parking moved from south side on Winchester Street between Ontario Street and Rose Avenue (6:00pm to 10:00am) to north side between 6:00pm and 7:30am to reduce conflicts with school pick-up and drop-off.  No parking reduction; and

o   School pick-up and drop-off: No loading reduction on Winchester Street and addition of 4 spaces on Rose Avenue, west side.

  • On Ontario Street between Winchester Street and Carlton Street, the recommended design includes:

o   Northbound contra-flow bike lane on the east side (Carlton Street to Aberdeen Avenue);

o   No changes to direction flow for vehicles;

o   Parking changes permanently to west side (Aberdeen Avenue to Carlton Street); and

o   No parking reduction.

In coordination with the Cabbagetown Cycling Connections, Gerrard Street East between Parliament Street and Sumach Street is recommended to have a bi-directional cycle track installed on the south side in the existing curb lane. This work would be timed with the installation of the Gerrard Street Complete Street project between Sherbourne Street and Parliament Street in 2024-2025.

As part of the approval process, staff will report to the Infrastructure and Environment Committee of City Council on June 5, 2023. A copy of the staff report is available at https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2023/ie/bgrd/backgroundfile-236725.pdf

You can submit comments by emailing the Committee at iec@toronto.ca

 
Advance Polls Open Soon

With the mayoral election coming up in a few weeks, the advance polls open June 8 until the 13. Wellesley Community Centre is our local polling station.

 
Keeping Cool in the Summer Heat

We’ve had a few days of hot summer weather – if you need a space to keep cool, check out the city’s map showing local cooling spaces available to the public.

 
Gerrard Complete Street Phase 2

When the project was introduced to the public, it was noted that the City was also exploring changes to Gerrard Street East between Parliament Street and Blackburn Street, as part on the on-going redevelopment of Regent Park. Gerrard Street between Parliament Street and River Street was identified as a TOcore Great Street, with a recommendation that a bi-directional cycle be added to further expand the cycling network.

Transportation Services is seeking City Council authority to install a proposed bi-directional cycle track on the south side of Gerrard Street East between Parliament Street and Sumach Street.If approved, this cycling facility would be timed with the installation of the Gerrard Street Complete Street project between Sherbourne Street and Parliament Street in 2024-2025.

The staff report is available here.

You can also submit comments by emailing the Committee at iec@toronto.ca

 
Anniversary Park 

Some of you may have provided feedback during Phase 1 of the Anniversary Park Improvements project. To view that feedback, as well as a vision statement and design principles to help guide the park design process moving forward, please visit the project webpage.

 
Interested in joining the CRA Board?

We are looking for Board Members!

Do you want to get more involved in our community and make a difference in Cabbagetown? The Cabbagetown Residents Association is looking for new directors to sit on the board. We need people who have a passion for the neighbourhood and who wish to contribute to the community.

We have particular need for people who like to help co-ordinate community events, book keeping or who have interest liaising with the City of Toronto on issues both local and broad, but there’s always room to pursue other passions that are in residents’ best interests (social, economic or environmental).

Please visit our site for more information. If you are interested, please email info@cabbagetowner.com.

 

 

 

 

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April 2023

 

It’s Forsythia Festival time! We are so excited for the upcoming Cabbagetown Forsythia Festival next weekend.  Join us on May 7th to welcome Cabbagetown’s official start of spring. More details below.

 

52nd Annual Cabbagetown Forsythia Festiva

Join us on May 7th for the 52nd Annual Cabbagetown Forsythia Festival. The Festival will start at 10am with a parade departing from the corner of Winchester and Sumach. The Festival will run until 3pm at Wellesley Park. Check out all the details on our page.

We are still looking for volunteers for the Festival.  If you can donate an hour of your time, please email us at info@cabbagetowner.com.

 

Board Members Needed

The Cabbagetown Residents Associate is looking for Board members. If you would like to nominate someone, or are interested in nominating yourself, please contact us at info@cabbagetowner.com.

 

Cabbagetown Cycling Connections

The City of Toronto is inviting residents to learn more and provide feedback on proposed cycling, pedestrian and road safety improvements in the Cabbagetown neighbourhood. The proposed changes include new contra-flow bike lanes on Sumach Street and Sackville Street, and parts of Winchester Street and Ontario Street, and options to change the direction of motor vehicle travel on parts of Sumach Street and Sackville Street.

You can complete the survey online until May 11.

 

Spring Celebration at the Farm
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Uncategorized

March 2023

It’s still 6 weeks away, but we are all looking for to the Forsythia Festival. Mark your calendars – Sunday May 7, Wellesley Park.  Parade will leave at 10am at the corner of Winchester and Sumach, and the festival will be in the park from 11am to 3pm.

 
Call for Nominations for the CRA Board of Directors

The Cabbagetown Residents Association is looking for new directors to sit on the board.  We need people who have a passion for the neighbourhood and who wish to contribute to the community.  

We have particular need for people who like to help co-ordinate community events, book keeping or who have interest liaising with the City of Toronto on issues both local and broad, but there’s always room to pursue other passions that are in residents’ best interests (social, economic or environmental).

Please visit our site for more information. If you are interested, please email info@cabbagetowner.com.

 
Cabbagetown BIA is Hiring

The BIA is hiring a Marketing and Events Coordinator.  Applications are due April 7th.

 
Feedback on Safety Concerns

The Cabbagetown South Residents Association is looking for feedback on concerns about safety around matters dealt with by the police.

Please email info@cabbagetowner.com with a list of your concerns and we will send it along to the CSRA. Your name and contact information will not be shared.

 

Toronto Police Community Meeting

These open meetings are very important for informing the Community Toronto Police Service (TPS) Officers assigned to our neighbourhood about the needs you think should be addressed. They also help community members obtain information about conditions in the neighbourhood observed by Community Officers and efforts being made by the TPS to help us. Please attend and share in this community safety effort.

Jane’s Walk

On May 5-7th, Toronto’s free festival of community walking conversations returns. More information on participating or leading a walk is available on the website.

 
Corktown Commons Spring Cleaning

Friends of Corktown Commons are holding a community clean up on March 25 at 10am.  Bags, gloves and trash pickers provided. Meet at 10am at the Pavilion.

TORONTO LOGO

Wildlife in the City

As of April 1, it will be illegal to feed wildlife in Toronto (bird feeders excluded). 

Feeding wildlife may seem harmless, but it can have serious impacts to both animals and the community.  Here are a few reasons why:

  • When wild animals are fed by humans, it conditions them to expect food from people and may increase their proximity tolerance, putting both people and animals at risk.
  • Human food is very unhealthy for animals. Wild animals are skilled foragers and hunters and can find sources of higher quality food on their own.
  • Wild animals do not need our handouts. Letting animals use their own natural instincts is the only kindness they need.
  • Feeding and disturbing wild animals is prohibited under City bylaws
 
Cabbagetown Festival Call for Performers and Vendors

Are you a musician, dancer, artist or performer? The BIA is looking for performers  and vendors for the 2023 Cabbagetown Festival. Deadline to apply is May 31.

 

 

Categories
Events In The News Local Interest Polls Uncategorized

February 2023

Winter sunset in Cabbagetown

 

Happy February Neighbours!

This picture was taken about a year ago – Cabbagetown looks a bit similar this February, but maybe slightly less snow!

 
City of Toronto Parks and Rec registration

If you are looking forward to spring, a heads up that the city’s Parks and Rec program registration for East York is taking place on March 8. 

 
Bill 23 Survey

The Federation of South Toronto Residents Association (FoRSTRA) is asking for feedback on Bill 23. They have endorsed a survey and are asking for feedback. The survey can be accessed here, and is open until February 28.

 
Gerrard Street East Project Update

The road reconstruction planned for Gerrard between Sherbourne and Parliament has been delayed until 2024.

 
Howland Theatre showing of Prodigal

Howland Theatre is premiering Prodigal at nearby Crow’s Theatre from February 21st – March 12th and they’re offering general admission tickets for $30, using the promo code LESLIEVILLE. 

 

Young Urban Forest Leaders

LEAF is excited to announce that applications for the 2023 YUFL Program are now open! The YUFL Program is a free, online and in-person training opportunity designed to provide valuable skills in urban forestry and community engagement to 20 young Toronto people (ages 18 to 29) over four months (end-of-April to end-of-August). Through this program, participants will build connections across Toronto communities, grow their confidence as a leader and network with industry leaders.

Applications close March 21, 2023.

 

Categories
Events In The News Uncategorized

January 2023

Happy New Year  Cabbagetown!

Happy 2023 Neighbours! On behalf of the Cabbagetown Residents Association, we hope you had a lovely and restful winter break.

Congratulations to 450 Wellesley, the winner of our 2022 Holiday Lights contest!

 
The School of Toronto Dance Theatre has a new home

After 45 years, the School of Toronto Dance Theatre will be moving from their home at 80 Winchester Street to a space in the Daniels Spectrum in May. 

Read the full announcement here.

 
home 4 all education event

FoSTRA (Federation of South Toronto Residents Association) is hosting a series of free education events on the theme of Housing for All. The first event is on January 26 from 6:30-8pm with Mark Richardson of HousingNowTO.com. More information is linked below, along with the registration details.

FoSTRA member meeting invitation 26 January

 
Winterlicious is Back!

Winterlicious 2023 will run for two weeks, starting January 27, with delicious prix fixe lunch and dinner menus at more than 220 local restaurants. This year, menus are available at six price points; three-course prix fixe lunch menus are priced at $20, $27, $34, $41, $48 and $55, and dinners are priced at $25, $35, $45, $55, $65 and $75. Restaurants are accepting reservations for the prix fixe promotion. A list of participating restaurants is available here.

 

Declaration of Property Occupancy Status

The City is reminding all homeowners to submit a declaration of their property’s 2022 occupancy status by Thursday, February 2 to determine if the property is subject to the new Vacant Home Tax.

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Did You Know...? Events In The News Issues Local Business News Politics

November 2022


This picture was taken by board member Lise Flynn on the first snowfall of the season. Thanks to everyone who cleared their walkways and sidewalks!

 
Cabbagetown Residents Survey 

Thank you to all who completed the recent CRA survey. The board is reviewing the feedback and we will send out a comprehensive review of the results in the next few weeks.

 
Bill 23

There has been a lot of chatter about Bill 23 and how that could affect city plans and initiatives. For a comprehensive review of potential impact, please review this City Briefing Note – Bill 23 provided by the City.

The Federation of Urban Neighbourhoods has identified a number of concerns with Bill 23. This link summarizes the concerns well and provides resources where individuals can learn more, sign various petitions and contact politicians and policy makers.

 
Transportation Survey

The City of Toronto has partnered with the Ministry of Transportation Ontario to sponsor the Transportation Tomorrow Survey (TTS). The survey, which will be mailed to randomly selected Toronto residents, takes less than 15 minutes to complete, and the results will help plan improvements to transportation facilities for all road and transit users in Toronto and across the region. Residents should watch for a survey invitation in their mailboxes and visit the website to learn more.

 
Yonge Street Mission Toy Drive

The YSM new toy drive is happening again this year from December 12-16.  Find more info here.

 
Cabbagetown BIA has a new Director

A big welcome to Matt Mohan who is the new executive director at the Cabbagetown BIA.

 
Childrens Book Bank Auction

The annual online auction for the Children’s Book Bank is on until November 29. This ‘Favourite Things’ online auction, is always a hit.

 
Calvacade of Lights 

The Calvacade of Lights has returned to Nathan Phillips Square from November 26 to January 7th. For the full schedule of activities and events, click here.

 
Moss Park Hockey League

The Moss Park House League, for kids aged 4-16, is a FREE hockey league aimed at introducing youngsters to the game of ice hockey. All levels are welcomed from absolute beginners to experienced skaters.

Equipment is available for children who do not have equipment, eg. skates, pads, pants, jerseys, helmets.

Games are played on Saturdays at Moss Park Arena, Queen Street & Sherbourne Street, starting in November.

Registration is still Open, just come on down Saturday morning for skills evaluation,   sign up HERE

What makes this league unique is that All Kids Play, there is no sitting on the bench. The game periods are 3:00 minutes long and change on a whistle, Line 1 play against the other team’s Line 1, Line 2 play against the other team’s Line 2 and Line 3 plays against the other team’s Line 3.

Thanks to resident Gina for sharing this great info!

 

 

Categories
Events In The News Issues

October 2022

 Neighbourhood News October 2022

Pumpkin Walk Poster

Happy Halloween Neighbours!

Cabbagetown is looking spooky this week as we gear up for one of the busiest nights in our neighbourhood.  Halloween is coming up on Monday, so keep an eye out for the little (and not so little) ones to be out and about looking for candy.

On Tuesday November 1, the Cabbagetown Residents Association will be holding our annual Pumpkin Walk from 5-9pm in Riverdale Park West. A long-standing and much loved tradition, the Cabbagetown Pumpkin Walk provides a magical evening of twinkling orange lights for all the family.

Bring your Halloween pumpkin and line it up with the rest along the walkways to be lit up with a tea light. We will also be collecting non-perishable foods to address food insecurity in the greater Cabbagetown community.

 

Cabbagetown Residents Survey

It’s been 9 years since our last resident’s survey. Given the challenges of the past couple of years, we feel that now is the perfect time to reach out and ask what you’re currently looking for from your Cabbagetown Residents Association.

Please use this link to complete the 2022 Cabbagetown Residents Association Survey.  Survey results will be shared within one month of the survey close date.

Prizes will be awarded to the first 10 respondents. An email address is required to be eligible for a prize.

To see the results of the 2013 survey, please click here.

Municipal Election

A new Councillor and School Trustee were voted in during Monday’s municipal election. Chris Moise becomes the new Toronto Centre city councillor, Deborah Williams is the TDSB School Trustee and Kevin Morrison the TCDSB Trustee. Thank you to everyone who ran and voted. Full election results available at electionresults.toronto.ca

Gerrard Street Redevelopment

The City of Toronto has released an updated plan to the Gerrard Street redevelopment that is planned for Gerrard between Sherbourne and Parliament.

You can read a summary of the changes here, and learn more about the overall project and redevelopment at www.toronto.ca/community-people/get-involved/public-consultations/infrastructure-projects/gerrard-east-complete-street/

Harm Reduction Community care

The Harm Reduction Community Care Project aims to create a safer community in the downtown East area through safe collection and disposal of discarded harm reduction supplies, including needles and other sharps. The project offers low barrier employment opportunities to folks with various lived experience and aims to challenge stigma and foster safety and inclusion in the downtown East community through engagement, responding to community requests for safe disposal, community trainings, and collecting feedback. In 2022, the team has collected over 45,000 items from streets and parks in the downtown East area, further illustrating the importance of these kinds of programs.

Please contact 1-866-224-9978 x 243 or communitycare@pasan.org for requests for clean-up of discarded harm reduction supplies. If folks are interested in speaking more about the project, I would be happy to set up a meeting time which could include training on safe disposal, as well as providing safe disposal bins if they would like. We can also arrange to have the bins picked up and replaced by our team if/when they fill up.

Christmas Market

It’s never too early for a Christmas Market!

Categories
Did You Know...? Events Politics

Neighbourhood News September 2022

Hello Neighbours!

Summer has officially ended, and it was a great one. We enjoyed the Parkscape on Parliament (thank you Cabbagetown BIA) and ended the summer with the return of the Cabbagetown Arts and Crafts Festival, after a 2 year absence. 

Municipal Election

Toronto’s municipal election is on Monday, October 24. Advance voting is October 7-14.  A list of the Ward 13 candidates can be found here. Our friends at the Corktown Residents and Business Association are hosting a Ward 13 All-Candidates Meeting on September 27 at 6:30 at the Cooper Koo YMCA.  You can find out more information and register here.  If you can’t join in person, the CRBA are live-streaming the introduction and question period.

 

People, Power and the Park

People, Power, & the Park, a free four-day outdoor festival celebrating the history of Allan Gardens, is taking place this weekend! Starting Thursday, September 22 at 6:00 pm and ending on Sunday, September 25 at 4:00 pm.

The festival will include an archival exhibit by students, staff and community members from Toronto Metropolitan University, poetry readings, guided walking tours and performances. Including music from Lillian Allen & Band: Revving Up the Tea Party, Joaquín Hidalgo’s Caribbean Jazz Trio, and the Counterpoint Community Orchestra.

The poetry portion of the festival will take place on Saturday, September 24 at 6:00 pm, with an open mic session hosted by Lillian Allen and then readings with Clifton Joseph, January Roberts, Robert Priest and Charlie Petch.

All happening in the heart of the park!

For more information and the full event schedule, visit www.torontomu.ca/peoplepowerpark.

 
Dixon Hall Amazon Wishlist

Dixon Hall logo

Our friends at Dixon Hall  have an Amazon Wishlist for school and music supplies, journals, health and wellness supplies, crafts items, tablets, and everything in between. If you want to help them out with a purchase, you can see their wishlist here.

Many Cabbagetowners are fans of Suppli, a reusable food delivery service.  They have recently launched a food delivery service that includes some of our local favourites, such as Haldi, Shalom, Noushe, Gushi and Daniel et Daniel.  Check it out here.

Nuit Blanche 2022

Nuit Blanche, Toronto’s all-night celebration of contemporary art, returns from 7 p.m. on October 1 to 7 a.m. on October 2. The long-awaited event is city-wide for the first time ever and will feature works by more than 150 artists. Explore exhibition areas in Etobicoke, North York, downtown and Scarborough. This is a great, family friendly event and a wonderful way to celebrate art in out city.

 

 

Categories
Events Local Interest

July 2022

 

Hello Neighbours!

June and July have been busy months in Cabbagetown! The CRA held our Annual General Meeting, the Farmers Market started up again and we have a park on Parliament Street!

CRA Annual General Meeting

The Cabbagetown Residents Association held our Annual General Meeting on Monday, June 20 via Zoom. You can view the presentation and the minutes here. Newly elected MPP Kristyn Wong-Tam was in attendance and shared plans for the Cabbagetown Parkscape, which has now been installed on Parliament Street.

 

Cabbagetown Parkscape

The Cabbagetown BIA has arranged for a very neat parkscape installation on Parliament Street, between Winchester and Carlton.  The park will be there until September 11th, and is already a hit with the kids! There will also be live music happening most Wednesdays and Sundays throughout the summer in the parkscape. There will also be pop-up markets all summer from local Cabbagetown BIA businesses. Thank you to the Cabbagetown BIA for organizing!

 

Farmers Market

Farmers Market Cheese

The market is back! Located in Riverdale Park West, every Tuesday from 3-7pm. Come for the veggies and cheese, and enjoy this great local resource.

 

Keep Cool in a Pool

The City of Toronto has announced that outdoor pools are now open, just in time for summer. Fifty-four outdoor pools and 85 wading pools are open daily until Labour Day. More than 90 splash and spray pads have been open since the Victoria Day weekend for fun and heat relief and will remain open until Sunday, September 18. During summer, approximately 1,000 lifeguards supervise beaches, as well as outdoor and indoor pools, and 300 staff supervise wading pools. Check it out at www.toronto.ca/swim.

 

New Restaurants

There are a couple of new places to eat in Cabbagetown.  L’Avenue Restaurant has just opened at the corner of Parliament and Amelia Street. And the Golden Pigeon Beer Hall (where the Tilted Dog used to be) looks like it is gearing up to open soon.

 

Gerrard Street East Project

The City of Toronto is proposing changes on Gerrard Street East between Sherbourne Street and Parliament Street. The City is also exploring changes to Gerrard Street East between Parliament Street and Blackburn Street, as part of the on-going redevelopment of Regent Park. You can read more about it here.

 

Reminder – Wellesley Park

We’ve had a request to remind dog owners that Wellesley Park is not an off-leash park. Homeowners in the area have noticed an increase in dogs running off leash in the park. Owners who want to have their dogs off leash can head to Riverdale Park West, south of the farm.

 

Outdoor Movies in Corktown Commons

Toronto Outdoor Picture Show is bringing movies to Corktown Commons every Thursday is July. Bring a chair and popcorn!

 

CPA Walk

The Cabbagetown Preservation Association is planning on another historical on Sunday July 17, 10 am.  Just join the group at the Cabbagetown People directory board just inside the gates at Riverdale Park (Sumach and Winchester).  It’s free!

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