Uncategorized

Categories
Uncategorized

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.

 

 

 

 

Categories
Uncategorized

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
Categories
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.

Categories
Forsythia Festival In The News Local Business News Spotlight On Sponsorship Uncategorized

Neighbourhood News April 2022

Hello Neighbours!

It’s here! After a two year hiatus, the Forsythia Festival is back in person, this Sunday, May 1!

The parade will start at 10:30am at the corner of Sumach and Wellesley, and the festival will run from 11am-3pm at Wellesley Park, which was cleaned last week by a dedicated group of Cabbagetown residents.

Wear yellow and come prepared for fun – we have a mechanical bull, a magician, a BBQ and a beer tent! Check out the full schedule of events.

Raffles tickets are for sale ahead of time (email info@cabbagetowner.com to purchase) and at the festival. 

Spotlight on Sponsorship

The Forsythia Festival would not be possible without our generous sponsors! Over the next few newsletters, we will spotlighting our 2022 Gold Sponsors.

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.

 
Canadian Contemporary Dance Theatre

Founded in 1980 and located right on Parliament Street, the Canadian Contemporary Dance Theatre has introduced over 300,000 young people to dance through its Ontario Arts Access program, and won the Toronto Arts Foundation’s prestigious Arts for Youth Award for its development of young artists and young audiences. CCDT offers professional productions locally and abroad for all ages, next generation and established artist residencies, a continuity of development programs from age eight to professional, educational outreach, career guidance and community engagement initiatives for dance artists to explore and to showcase their craft. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

 

Jane’s Walk

Jane’s Walk is also back this year, running May 6-8th. This free, annual festival of community-led walking conversations was  inspired by Jane Jacobs—a journalist, author, theorist, activist, and proud Torontonian.

 Jane’s Walk festivals take place in hundreds of cities around the world. Jane’s Walks encourage people to share stories about their neighbourhoods, discover unseen aspects of their communities, and use walking as a way to connect with their neighbours.

Check out the schedule here.

Community Clean Up

Thank you to the local residents who helped to clean up two major parks in Cabbagetown on April 23rd. Wellesley Park and Riverdale Park were both cleaned of garbage and have a fresh look just in time for spring.

 

NatureScape on Parliament Street

The Cabbagetown BIA has partnered with Councillor Wong-Tam to create a naturescape on Parliament Street, starting July 1st and running 10 weeks. You can read all about it here, and see some of the renderings.

Toronto’s New Tree

The City has announced that Toronto is getting an official tree, and you can vote for your choice. Voting is open until May 10th.

Mother’s Day Baskets from GreenThumbs

GreenThumbs is selling Mother’s Day Baskets as a fundraiser to support 3 local school children’s gardens. Click here to order.

Categories
Uncategorized

Neighbourhood News – March 2022

Hello Neighbours!

We have officially arrived in spring, and are only 5 weeks away from the 2022 Forsythia Festival!

Forsythia Festival 2013 Photo
Forsythia Festival (c) Eric Morse

This is the biggest yearly event the Cabbagetown Residents Association puts on and we are in need of volunteers. If you can spare some time on Sunday May 1st, please email Katie at tozer.katie@gmail.com.

We’ve got a packed newsletter this month – there is a lot happening around our neighbourhood. From construction on Wellesley, the BIA’s MapleLicious event to support for refugees, keep scrolling for more!


Techfugees

Local volunteers from Techfugees Canada are working with Romero House to respond to the urgent needs of refugee claimants and help families living in transitional housing find stable apartments faster. There are two ways you can help:

  1. Consider if you are able to host a refugee family in your home on an emergency basis. If you are in a position of having extra space in your home and would be willing to offer space to a refugee or refugee family, we would love to know and keep your name on a list of people we might call on when needed.  

  2. Do you have an apartment that you are willing to rent to refugees? Do you know of others who do? Permanent housing for refugees is even better than emergency housing! If you are willing to be a landlord to recently arrived refugees get in touch. 

To learn more about both of these initiatives email toronto@techfugees.com.  

Techfugees Canada is a local chapter of the global social enterprise Techfugees, which is an impact-driven organization dedicated to nurturing a sustainable ecosystem of tech solutions to support the inclusion of displaced peoples.


Construction on Wellesley

The City has advised that Wellesley Street from Ontario Street to Sherbourne Street, starting on April 25th. Asphalt will be replaced, including on the existing bike lane and a new sidewalk installed. A concrete barrier will also be added to the bike lane.


BIA

MapleLicious

Thank you to our friends at the Cabbagetown BIA for holding the first ever MapleLicious Festival on April 3rd at 3pm.  Come enjoy maple syrup treats, live music, crepes, coffee and a photo booth, all taking place at the NE corner of Parliament and Carlton.

Maplelicious BIA

 


 

Calling all Youth for the Young Urban Forest Leader Program

Leaf Logo

Do you know a young person who is passionate about nature, community engagement, and stewardship?  They may be a perfect fit for the Young Urban Forest Leader (YUFL) Program provided by LEAF!  

LEAF is excited to announce that applications for the 2022 YUFL Program are now open! The YUFL Program is a free, in-person and online 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 (May through August). Through this program, participants will build connections in their communities, grow their confidence as a leader and network with industry leaders.  

The program also seeks to support Toronto youth from underrepresented groups within arboriculture and urban forestry including (but not limited to) women, non-binary people, Indigenous peoples, newcomers, 2SLGBTQ+ persons and racialized individuals. 

Applications will close on Thursday March 31st 2022 at 11:59pm.  

More details can be found online. 

Heather from Green Thumbs Growing Kids has a new blog post – check it out here.


TORONTO LOGO

The City of Toronto’s first Reconciliation Action Plan moves forward.

Earlier this month, the mayor announced the details of the City of Toronto’s first Reconciliation Action Plan. These recommendations will guide the City’s actions from 2022 to 2032 to advance truth, justice and reconciliation.

The Reconciliation Action Plan builds on the City’s existing commitments to Indigenous Peoples through 28 meaningful actions across five themes: actions to restore truth, actions to right relations and share power, actions for justice, actions to make financial reparations and actions for the Indigenous Affairs Office.

A key priority for the City will be addressing barriers and colonial practices embedded in its policies, processes and practices to better serve Indigenous residents in Toronto.

The Reconciliation Action Plan was developed over three years with input from First Nations, Inuit and Métis community members, organizations, Elders, Knowledge Carriers, youth, and Indigenous employees and allies in the Toronto Public Service. The Plan will be a living document, which will evolve, as needed, to incorporate directives from any future public inquiries or calls for government action from local Indigenous communities and organizations. The City will also continue to collaborate with Indigenous leaders and community members to fulfill the actions within the Plan, ensure transparency and accountability, and improve relationships with Indigenous Peoples.


Cabbagetown Artists

Doug Fisher has launched a new blog for Cabbagetown Artists, showcasing work from local artists. Click through and support a neighbourhood artist.


Janes Walk 2022

Jane’s Walk is Back!

Toronto’s favourite festival of free, community-led walking conversations returns this May, back in person!

Jane’s Walk creates space for Torontonians to celebrate their culture, share their passions, and dream of a more equitable city for all.

Visit the website to learn more.

 

Categories
Uncategorized

City and Local News – February 2022

Dear Cabbagetowners,

Happy February! Only 23 more days until spring!

This months newsletters focuses on a number of areas within our community – our food insecurity fundraiser, new local developments and ‘seed-y’ Saturdays.

We hope you enjoy this latest newsletter. As ever, if you have comments to share, feel free to email us at info@cabbagetowner.com.


Food Insecurity Fundraiser

Thank you Cabbagetown! Our Neighbours Helping Neighbours campaign has raised over $3500 for Dixon Hall.  Thank to everyone who has donated. These funds will go far to help our local community.


The Beer Store redevelopment on Gerrard Street

There has been lot of information circulating in our neighbourhood about the The Beer Store re-development on Gerrard. The Cabbagetown South Residents Association has shared a statement about the redevelopment. They have also a developed a petition against the scale of the redevelopment.Beer Store on Gerrard Street in Toronto


Regent Park Redevelopment Phase 4 & 5

Regent Park 4 and 5

Earlier this month, two CRA Board Members attended a meeting about phases 4 & 5 of the Regent Park development plan.  Some key points include:

  • a new library on site, which would replace the current library at Parliament and Gerrard
  • buildings along Gerrard Street would be 5 to 8 stories high, with small retail units at street level
  • larger tower buildings would be located on the southern end of the site

Regent Park Phases 4 & 5 – Meeting with Cabbagetown Reps_Feb 2 2022 v3


Single Use and Takeaway Bylaw

In June 2021, Toronto City Council approved the Voluntary Measures Program as Stage 1 of the Reduction Strategy to help reduce single-use and takeaway items in Toronto.

The City of Toronto is preparing to move forward into Stage 2 of the Reduction Strategy by proposing mandatory measures that will restrict single-use and takeaway items through fees and/or require “ask-first/by-request” measures.

The City is looking for feedback by way of a survey for residents.


Seedy Saturdays are back!

Whether you are a seed, soil, plant or earth lover, Seedy Saturdays have something for everyone, including kids. Online events are starting soon, take a look at what’s available and register at http://seedysaturday.ca/toronto/.


Cabbagetown BIA

Our friends at the Cabbagetown BIA have released their latest newsletter – check it out!

 

 

Categories
Uncategorized

City/Local News Round-Up ~ Jan 23-29

Local/City News:

 

THE CRA IS LOOKING FOR NEW BOARD MEMBERS

We’re looking for a couple of Cabbagetown residents to join our board. Interested? Read more about our activities, focus and make-up and then email us at info@cabbagtowner.com. 

______________________________

233 CARLTON TLAB APPEAL – INTERIM UPDATE

The Toronto Local Appeal Board (TLAB) met with dozens of residents on January 27 to review the one variance that was appealed following the related Committee of Adjustment hearing in early 2020. There was a lot of testimony and the meeting eventually timed out after 7 hours. Part II is now scheduled for March 19.

______________________________

TORONTO RELEASES ITS FIRST EVER ESG REPORT

The City of Toronto has released its first-ever Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report at Executive Committee. This (to be) annual report outlines how the City is focused on ESG-related opportunities and risks across strategic priorities, sustainable finance and socioeconomic outcomes.

______________________________

EXEC. APPROVES BIGGER, BETTER CafeTO PROGRAM

The City Executive has approved a report that recommends an expanded CaféTO program starting this spring to help Toronto’s main street restaurants and bars during the ongoing pandemic. Council votes on it next week.

______________________________

SAVING THE FOUNDRY  IS MAKING PROGRESS

A group called Friends of the Foundry has set up a website and are asking for donations to help pay for the court costs. They’re also ask people to email a suggested letter to Premier Doug Ford to keep up the public pressure.

Latest news: Demolition blocked by judicial order.

______________________________

NEW TORONTO PARK BY LESLIE STREET SPIT 

Toronto residents can look forward to a new public park along the waterfront in the Port Lands, offering incredible views of the city skyline, reports Ainsley Smith at Toronto Storeys.

______________________________

DOG OWNERS WARNED TO BE WARY OF COYOTES

Two Toronto dogs were killed by coyotes recently and the city is  warning dog owners to b careful when letting dogs off leash, reports Mira Miller at BlogTO. 

______________________________

AIR TRANSAT SHELVES ALL YYZ FLIGHTS UNTIL LATE SPRING

Major Canadian carrier Air Transat has just revealed that it is cancelling all flights to and from Toronto until the end of April, reports Becky Robertson at BlogTO.

______________________________

VIRTUAL SAFETY PROGRAM FOR KIDS

We received an email this week from Safety Tree Canada. They deliver Home Alone Safety for Kids and Red Cross Babysitting courses virtually and are an authorized training partner for the Canadian Red Cross and SOS4Kids. 

The CRA is not endorsing this organization but we thought some parents may be interested to take a look.

______________________________

ALL THE NEW NETFLIX TITLES FOR FEBRUARY 

Our friends at Toronto Life have kindly pulled together another list of new Netflix titles (for February) for your viewing pleasure. 

 

Pandemic Updates:

 

TRUDEAU UPS THE ANTE ON TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS

The federal government will force incoming international travellers to quarantine in hotels for up to 3 days and suspend all travel to Caribbean destinations in a bid to narrow the chance more coronavirus variants enter the country, reports Chris Herhalt at CP24.

______________________________

ONE YEAR ON – HOW COVID-19 HAS CHANGED DAILY LIFE

On January 25th, 2020, Canadians were still living their lives like they always had: commuting to the office, visiting friends, dining out, hugging loved ones, vacationing. But the announcement that day of Canada’s first COVID-19 case set in motion a chain of events that would soon change everything.

______________________________

MAYOR FLOATS DISCUSSIONS AROUND EVENTUAL REOPENING 

Toronto Mayor John Tory says that the time has come to begin discussions about what the gradual reopening of the city might look like, reports Chris Fox at CP24.

______________________________

ORNGE TAKES LEAD ON MOVING COVID-19 PATIENTS

The impact of COVID-19 on intensive care units remains “alarming” despite a recent steadying of the number of patients treated there, says a group representing Ontario’s hospitals, reports Liam Casey at The Canadian Press.

______________________________

WHY IS THERE A VACCINE HOLD UP?

No new Pfizer doses are arriving in Canada this week, and fewer than a third of those originally allotted for next week are expected. Why the delay? Report by Patricia Treble, Macleans Magazine.

______________________________

TORONTO’S TOP DOC ANSWERS MORE CORONAVIRUS QUESTIONS 

the city’s medical officer of health, Dr. Eileen de Villa, joined CP24 reports to answer people’s latest questions about the pandemic. 

Categories
Uncategorized

Call For New Board Members

Posted on January 28, 2021

The CRA is looking for Cabbagetown residents interested in joining its board of directors to contribute to activities in our neighbourhood.

Here’s a bit of an overview of the activities, focus and composition of the association for anyone that’s interested in joining us:

The CRA was established in 1967 and is a purely volunteer-led organization.

We are one of several active residents’ associations across Cabbagetown, each representing different geographical areas of the neighbourhood. The CRA covers East Cabbagetown, bordered by St James Cemetery to the North, Parliament to the East, Gerrard to the South and the Don River to the West.

The CRA helps build community by:

  • Hosting annual events in the community
  • Promoting neighborhood safety and security
  • Representing community concerns with the city and police
  • Sharing local news and information with residents
 
EVENTS

FORSYTHIA FESTIVAL – MAY

The Forsythia Festival is held annually on the 1st Sunday of May at Wellesley Park and is free for all to attend.

There’s a parade with marching band, a BBQ sponsored Steak and Chops, a beer garden sponsored by Stout Irish Pub, a magic show and dozens of activities for kids and families including bouncy castle, mechanical raccoon, face painting, photobooth, spring bike inspection, parachute game, craft station, flower crown station, and much more … the Toronto Fire Department even gives fire truck tours!

 It takes over 100 volunteers to bring the Forsythia Festival to life each year and we’re grateful for the continued sponsorships from our Cabbagetown Business Community and residents.

2021 marks the 50th Anniversary of the Forsythia Festival. Although we will not be able to gather in person to mark this wonderful community milestone however, plans are in the works to make this the best ‘at-a-distance’ community celebration possible!


 PUMPKIN WALK – 1 NOVEMBER

The Pumpkin Walk happens every year on November 1. Residents bring their Halloween Pumpkins to Riverdale Park, for a magical evening of twinkling lights and neighbourhood fun. We collect donations for the local Food Bank and then the Pumpkins are recycled for us by the City.

HOLIDAY CARDS – CHRISTMAS

The Holiday Cards event is run in conjunction with local schools. Students create holiday themed art, which is judged by local Cabbagetown artists. The winning entries get special certificates and a pizza lunch for their class.


HOLIDAY LIGHTS – CHRISTMAS

The Holiday lights contest encourages everyone in the neighbourhood to decorate their front yards over the Christmas period (usually with lights!). Residents can enter their house (or anyone else’s) into the competition and everyone gets a chance to vote on their favourite. Winners get a plaque to commemorate their achievement and a call-out in our newsletter.


SPRING AND FALL CLEANUP – April and September

This is a community event that coincides with Earth Day each year, where we get together with neighbours to do a clean-up sweep across our local parks. In 2020 we decided to add a second clean-up in September, to coincide with World Clean up Day.

SAFETY AND SECURITY/POLICE LIAISON

The CRA maintains a close liaison with Toronto Police 51 Division through regular communications with our community policing representatives. We also participate in the Community Policing Liaison Committee which brings police and community representatives together several times a year to discuss crime and safety and security challenges and solutions.

CITY LIAISON

The CRA maintains regular communications with representatives at the councillors office for Ward 13 on all sorts of subjects of concern to our residents. These include new developments in and around the neighbourhood, traffic and crosswalk issues, local park amelioration, selection of bike share locations, etc.

COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER

The CRA has traditionally put out a monthly newsletter to its database of residents. Since the start of the pandemic we have upped the frequency to a weekly round-up of local, city and pandemic news, which has proved to be popular with our members.

SOCIAL/ENVIRONMENTAL

In 2020, the CRA started to recruit new board members that can spare a few hours per month to help the association ramp-up its involvement in new initiatives, with a focus on social and environmental issues. This was kicked off in 2020 with a fundraiser for Dixon Hall, which raised over $13,000 for food insecurity in our neighbourhood.

We plan on continuing with these initiatives and our expectations are that anyone joining the board can provide a few hours per month focused on board activities and initiatives.

 

CRA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The CRA is run by a volunteer board of up to 12 members of our community (currently we are approved for 10 by our membership, which can be adjusted at the AGM). Board members are involved in all aspects of the associations activities and decision making. Board responsibilities are split across three main areas:

  • Traditional board roles – President, VP, Secretary, Treasury, Communications etc.
  • CRA Events – Forsythia Festival, Pumpkin Walk, Clean-up days, etc.
  • Community focus – Safety and Security, Police liaison, City liaison, etc.

New board members join for an initial term of 2 years, which can be extended by 1 or 2 years.

If you’re interested in hearing more, please drop us a note to info@cabbagetowner.com

If you’re more interested in volunteering from time to time, email us too, we’d love to hear from you too.

Become a Member

Household Membership

Just $20 Per Year

Learn More

Newsletter Sign-Up

Learn More