Wow – it’s getting Green in Cabbagetown
Although the BIA is officially non-political, we can’t help but be impressed by Chris Tindal from the Green Party of Canada. He’s their nominated candidate for the next federal election. He was their candidate in the last election as well when he carried the Green message with both passion and humour.
Chris saw our appeal for funds from last week’s newsletter and he’s pledged $100 toward the Cabbagetown Festival parade. He’s said that he hopes to inspire others to do the same and we do too … we’ll be happy to take donations from any Liberals, Conservatives and NDP who like the parade and want to match Chris.


It’s Spring and Cabbagetown is in full bloom…
We can all easily see that our local flower shops are now in full bloom. They’ve got lots of blossoms and every local gardener is stocking up.
Our stores also provide great beauty for the whole street. We regularly hear from residents, tourists and other visitors that we’re lucky to have these displays right along our major street corners.
Our thanks to Jamestown Milk (592 Parliament St), Parliament Smoke & Gift (609 Parliament St) and Fairway Market (520 Parliament St). Their efforts have brought colour and beauty to each corner.
At Parliament Smoke & Gift, the blooms live indoors as well as outside.


Then, of course, there are these two late bloomers…
Doug Hurlbut and Stuart Marwick are seen here in the midst of their campaign to spend more money on Parliament Street. Two great Cabbagetowners, they’re an inspiration for all of us.


Medical Clinics Sponsored by the Filipino Centre.
The Filipino Centre, Toronto operates several really helpful community services. Their contributions are making the Cabbagetown and St James Town neighbourhoods healthier and safer for all of us.
On the last Sunday of each month, FCT offers FREE medical workshops. On May 27th, the topic is hypertension and the guest speaker is Dr. Nenette de Villa, the chief cardiologist at St. Joseph Health Centre. The chairman of this FCT committee is Dr. Mario Andres, a practicing physician who is a medical internist in the Greater Toronto area. Before each workshop, qualified nurses take blood pressure for anyone who wants to know if their blood pressure is okay. FCT offers FREE medical clinics for new immigrants who are waiting for their Ontario health cards. These clinics are held on every second Saturday of each month from 12 to 2 pm with qualified medical practitioners. When there is medicine available, this medication is given free.


Vegetable Soup at the Cabbagetown Community Arts Centre
You’re invited to a gala exhibition of young people's art work (ages 4 to 6) at the Centre (454 Parliament St), on Friday, June 1 from 5 to 8 pm. Carolyn Poplak, the Centre’s executive director, wants us to “pop by, have a bite and take in the beautiful creations of these young people.”

Jazz at the Cobourg
Sunday is our last chance to see Perry White this summer. He’s joined by Reg Shwager on guitar and Neil Swainson on bass. Sunday, 9 pm. No cover.
As always, it’s beautiful sax at the Cobourg (533 Parliament St).


Thanks to the Don Vale Cabbagetown Residents Association
The DVCRA has taken the initiative in a special customer-satisfaction survey among our residents. 1100 homes were contacted and almost 500 have replied – a phenomenal response. The survey asks about the shopping districts along Carlton, Gerrard and Parliament. There can be no doubt from the enthusiasm shown by the replies that people love our area and have deep feelings about its future.
To everyone who took a few minutes to pass on this valuable advice – thanks from every BIA member. And thanks as well to the Board and members of the DVCRA who have taken so much time and given so much effort to write, distribute and collate all the surveys. This is a wonderful initiative that will help merchants, property owners, city officials and many others as we work to improve our streets and businesses.


Lunchtime Nia at the Union
The Union is the new yoga studio at 242 Carlton Street and they’re offering a wide range of programs. They’re located in a beautiful room within the striking storefront just west of Parliament on Carlton.
Jennifer Hicks has a NIA lunch program. “Nia is a spirited blend of the martial arts, dance arts, and healing arts. It is an invigorating cardiovascular conditioning experience set to inspiring music and is suitable for anyBODY.” We can join her from 12:30 to 1:15pm every Thursday from June 7 to July 12. The fee for six weeks is $36. Please register with her directly at jenniferhicks@rogers.com or 416-573-4911.
On Saturday June 2nd, the Union is also hosting a Craft Fair fundraiser from 9 am to 7 pm. Local artists will be selling eco-friendly, hand-crafted artwork, household objects and rescued plants. All proceeds go to local artists, community yoga programming and the Women Against Poverty Collective. For more information, call Maggie at (416) 616-3660.


Music on Parliament Street
Starting in early June, the BIA is sponsoring four musical Saturday afternoons. Watch for the details here and in flyers now being sent to your homes. You’ll be able to enjoy Peruvian flutes, a dulcimer, Irish fiddle music, country tunes and the smoothest jazz. And all the while, you’ll be out and about on Parliament Street – a dynamite combo.