It might be tough to find parking in Cabbagetown today, but it used to be known as a “tough neighbourhood” period! Out of that environment, emerged a couple of professional boxers who enjoyed great success in Canada and in the U.K.: Albert (Frenchy) Bélanger and Lawrence (Larry) Gains.

Our friend Gilles Huot of the Cabbagetown Preservation Association has posted a great article which includes colourful details such as the Winchester Hotel’s downstairs bar being called “The Bucket of Blood” (try asking for that the next time you’re at the Tim Horton’s there now).

CABBAGETOWN UNCOVERED: tough neighbourhood helped produce boxers like Albert Bélanger and Lawrence Gains (insidetoronto.com)