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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.

Happy Thanksgiving Cabbagetown!

In putting together this month’s newsletter, I realized our image bank is in need of more autumnal neighbourhood pictures. If you have any beautiful fall pictures of the neighbourhood, please send along and we will post your Cabbagetown pictures online. Email us at info@cabbagetowner.com.

We are still seeking folks to join our Cabbagetown Resident’s Association Board of Directors (thank you those of you who have already reached out).  For questions or more info, please email info@cabbagetowner.com. 

Cabbagetown Pumpkin Walk

It’s almost time for our annual Cabbagetown Pumpkin Walk! Held the evening after Halloween, bring your pumpkin to Riverdale Park West (right outside the farm) and enjoy seeing the  path lit up with neighbourhood jack o’lanterns.  Remember to bring a non-perishable food item and we will ensure it gets donated to Dixon Hall.

Boo Barn at the Farm

Riverdale Farm is also hosting its Boo Barn October 21 and 22 from 9:30-3:30. Wear your costume and come prepared for a spooky barn and treats!

Events at the Library

The Parliament Street library is hosting a number of upcoming events, including Seed Saving 101, and how to Grow your Own Native Plants From Seed. The Library also hosts a number of great events for kids and adults such as the Robotics Club, Community Writing Workshop, Chess Hub and much, much more (seriously, there is a lot more!). Some require advance registration, so click the link above for more info.

BIA Seeking Feedback about the Festival

The Cabbagetown BIA is seeking feedback about this years Cabbagetown Festival. You could win $100 to a local shop. The feedback form can be found here.

Cabbagetown Farmers Market

Just a few weeks left to enjoy Tuesday at the market! Check out the vendors every Tuesday from 3-7 outside the farm. Produce and vendors are also listed on their Facebook page.

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?

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.

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

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.

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.